"Council Crest Park: great views in clear weather" Top 5 Page for this destination Portland Things to Do Tip by glabah

Council Crest is the highest point in the city of Portland, and has a great view looking northwest. Due to the shape of the hill, it is not possible to see much of downtown Portland proper, but it is possible to see a lot of the east side of the river as well as a great view of Mt. St. Helens in Washington. Views of Mt. Hood are also possible from up here, but only through the trees and not particularly remarkable. During "Four Mountain" days it is possible to see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood from the same location at the very top of Council Crest.

An observation deck at the top of the hill indicates some features that are visible from here.

The park also features a "Mother and Child" sculpture / drinking fountain combination in honor of one of the park's long time volunteers and fans.

Most of the time, the public toilets are closed in this park.

It is possible to get here on bus route #51, but only about half of those buses that go up the hill come to this park.

A walking trail goes through Council Crest, but as it is the top of the hill it is best to start at the other ends of this trail, rather than Council Crest. The Marquam Trail comes from the Marquam Nature Park (bus route 8), goes up the hill to Council Crest, and then goes down the hill to the north and ends in Washington Park (MAX zoo station or bus route 63) where it joins the Wildwood Trail.

Address: SW Council Crest Drive, Portland Oregon
Directions: If you are not familiar with Portland, please consider bus route #51 (only half of the buses go up the hill). The roads up the hill are a tangled mess that confuse even many locals. Follow "scenic drive" and "Council Crest" signs from downtown.
Website: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/