Once home to an amusement park, today Council Crest Park sits as the highest park in the city, snuggled in the West Hills at 1071 feet above sea level. If you want to enjoy one of the best views in the city, this is the place to visit.
First known as Talbot Mountain, named after John B Talbot for his donated land claim, the hill has gone by several names over the years before Council Crest. In addition to Talbot, it was also called Glass Hill and then Fairmount. In 1898, it was formally named Council Crest.
Granger Meador / Flickr
The observation area gives you one of the best views in the city. If you visit on a clear day, you have a chance to see Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson from the park.
cyclotourist / Flickr
Whether it is spring…
Matthew Warner / Flickr
Summer…
brx0 / Flickr
Fall, or winter, the park has some amazing views and scenery to enjoy.
Edward Stojakovic / Flickr
This sculpture, called Pioneer Woman, or Joy, Joy, is both a drinking fountain and public art piece created by American artist Frederic Littman in 1956.
brx0 / Flickr
Originally connected to the city via streetcar in 1906, by 1907, the area was home to an amusement park called Council Crest Amusement Park. The park went out of business in 1929, and by 1937, the city of Portland acquired the property.
Matthew Warner / Flickr
Streetcar-only access ended in 1949 when the streetcar ended service to the area, and a road was built in the place of the rails. Getting there by car today is the way to go.
Scott McDonough / Flickr
Whether you want to take a nap high above the city or take some pictures of the epic view, this is one park you want to visit.
Matthew Warner / Flickr
Council Crest Park is open year-round from 5 am to midnight.
Edward Stojakovic / Flickr
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Granger Meador / Flickr
cyclotourist / Flickr
Matthew Warner / Flickr
brx0 / Flickr
Edward Stojakovic / Flickr
Scott McDonough / Flickr
