Love this park! It has a wonderful and huge off leash area for dogs, but don't like that it's unfenced. There are spectacular views though no matter which direction you look. The summit is a neat place to hangout and there are a number of connecting trails around the park. Pack a picnic and spend some time here just enjoying the views. It's lovely! read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Perfect park to relax and enjoy a picnic. There's plenty of open space with big shady trees that make it comfortable even on a hot day. The overlook is a highlight, with sweeping views of the city below. read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Walk up from Goose Hollow or from Hillsdale, you'll pass beautiful houses and gardens and "summit" to an incredible view of the mountains. Or drive, parking wasn't bad. read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

You can get a beautiful view of Mount Hood from here! It's such an iconic spot, perfect for a picnic or simply relaxing. I'm determined to bike here next time! In general, it's just a really nice place to enjoy the scenery and unwind. Definitely a hidden gem to add to the list! read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A local friend recommended driving up to this park for great sunset views. She was not wrong, and our timing turned out to be good. You first have to commit to driving several miles up into the hills at the edge of the city (it seemed like the edge; I freely admit my local knowledge of Portland is relatively limited). As the name implies, this park is literally on the crest of a major hill, with commanding views in several directions (it would be all directions, but there are also a lot of trees around the perimeter. You can clearly see Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood. We arrived around 8:20 p.m. or so in the summer. There is a large grassy area around the summit which was filled with picnickers. A short loop road surrounds the grass, and also is where you must park. This leads to a lot of parallel parking and the associated excitement with that. I nearly hit some cyclist who opted not to break speed or yield at all as I was maneuvering (I never saw him until he zipped by). I do some cycling to, but I'd have let the large car get out of the way, had it been me. There is a sporadic stream of cars circling the summit for spaces, so I think we lucked out, frankly. Still, it was worth the 15-minute drive and the parking to check this out, especially at dusk. read more

Council Crest Park - Mount St. Helens - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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My first recollection of a 'Council Crest' was a city bus that goes from Broadway to Council Crest, and the radio tower, I'm assuming is where it leads to. I've not been here before, and I always wondered what it was like to come up here for a picnic and a hike. And we did! We're still in the pandemic phase, so 6 foot social distancing is a must! On a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood, from the observation area! Mt. Rainier Mt. St. Helens straight & Mt. Adams . You could even see Mount Jefferson in the Cascade Range, if it weren't for those trees! My husband said, his grandpa Ben W, helped erect the radio tower, who was a KOIN radio DJ for about 30 years. His DJ was: Johnnie Walker. In 1907, an amusement park was opened and it featured a merry-go-round, miniature railway, Ferris Wheel and other entertainments. In 1898, a small group of churchgoers took an all day horse and buggy ride up the hill from downtown Portland. (Four of Alan's Great Grandparents lived in Portland at that time.) The churchgoers thought that Indian must have held their tribal councils at that location, so they named the area Council Crest. The park connects to hiking trails. We didn't use them, but there are picnic tables there. Council Crest is the highest, hardest hike I've been on! Park your cars on the street, luckily we found one under a large tree, so during the month of July/August, that's the way to go! read more

Council Crest Park - Note the little girl top of this tree! - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Have you ever been here? Because you should. Or you should go back. It's such a lovely park with breathtaking views. And it's right here in River City! (By which I mean Portland. That's a reference. To a musical.) Photos don't do it justice but I'll give it a go. Seriously, a Portland treasure. And a great place to take out of town visitors. If we ever can do that again. read more

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"You broke me first" - Tate McRae. I must declare driving my vans to this area has to be the best decision I made. I didn't realize being here would feel so good. It has been 3 years since my last ex dumped me and some times when I come here, the only person here is me. This not only is a great view of PDX but also lets me yell out all the mental stress caused by my last ex. I express all kinds of feelings here without being judged by other people. I cannot do that in Tualatin because it can be overpacked. When I am happy, I simply look out the view and then close my eyes. If I miss my ex I would be in this area crying after yelling out. For all occasions, I can play my music as loud as I can. Warning: If you come here when it's dark be careful because driving will be a bit hard. If it's raining watch out, the road can be slippery read more

Great views. Perfect for picnics and people watching! Nice anytime of day, but sunset is particularly pleasant. read more

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Considered "the highest point of Portland" with the best view, it didn't disappoint! (Unless you're coming on a rainy day, then welp). You drive up the windy roads up the hill (same one to get to OHSU) and there's plenty of parking along the curb for cars, plenty of grass for your dog to run around. You can choose to hike around or up to the top, but the drive up is pretty easy and clear too (just plug it into your GPS). There's not a ton of trees on the grass areas, but there's plenty of places to set a blanket down for a picnic if you want. Peep the pics for the views! The only big con here is that there isn't a bathroom (there's a porty potty but I think it was locked when my friends and I went). read more

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Best place to bring your dog! Cako loved running through the open field and running through the pine trees. She managed to make a new friend each time since she wants other dogs to chase her! Depending on the time of day you go, it seems quite pleasant. Except for the agressive dog owner that tailgated us one day. Luckily we were staying in the neighborhood so we brought her here everyday to run around. Park hours are great! Rules are pretty straight forward. We'll definitely be back if our travels bring us this way again! Cako Approves! read more

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One of the best spots in Portland. Awesome setting, trails, bangin' ass city views. Get your logs jammed: it's open until midnight.

Wow. The views here are breathtaking. It's an absolutely stunning park in every way. The property is maintained pristinely. There is plenty of shade or plenty of sunshine, whichever you prefer (obviously you wouldn't come on a rainy Portland day,) and it's great for a family picnic, bringing your dog or a romantic little picnic. We saw all of that on our visit. I have to say the best views of Portland are definitely here. I haven't been anywhere that it competes yet. I cannot wait to come back as it was perfect! read more

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Hands down one of the most scenic spots in Portland, and located in SW Hills. On clear days it has great views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Jefferson. It's great for adventures with your canine pals, while exploring the trailheads;?such as, Shelter Loop Trail and the Marquam Trail. Or if you're short on time, it's great for catching sunrises and sunsets. I enjoy the park all year round, but my favorite time is when all the trees are in bloom. I will say that summer evenings require protection from mosquitoes, so come prepared. If you're driving up to the park, the park has specific hours for that purpose: Park hours for cars: 8:00am daily; the park is closed to cars at 9:00pm from April 1-October 31. From November 1-March 31 the park is closed to cars at 7:00pm. Gate may remain closed during inclement weather. If you're on foot, the park hours are from 5am to midnight. Enjoy!! Note: my pictures are from different visits, and during different seasons. read more

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A beautiful park with incredible views! This is a great park for a quick hike, watching the sunset, or picnicking with friends. There are quite a few benches and picnic tables around, and they are spaced nicely so you don't feel like you're in anyone's way. The trails are well-maintained but still rugged enough to feel like you're in the woods. There are a few paved trails that are nice as well. The park is dog-friendly. For the most part dogs are expected to be leashed. But they do have an off-leash area that you can take advantage of for playing fetch! Note: the off-leash area is not fenced, so make sure your pup will stay close by if you use it. There is no parking lot, but curbside parking is plentiful. This has quickly become one of my favorite parks in the city! read more

Council Crest Park - View from council crest park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Wow wow wow! For the views alone, this place is solidly 5 stars. The highest point in PDX, Council Crest Park is tucked up in the West Hills and has a vantage point that is absolutely unrivaled. On a clear day - which I was lucky enough to get last week - you can see 5 mountaintops: Mt Hood, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, Mt St Helens, and Mt Rainier! Really, you should go just for the view. Check it out at sunset. But on top of that, it's just a really lovely space to get some fresh air and sun. A picnic here would be ideal. Even on a gorgeous day it wasn't super-heavily attended, which I can only assume is because it's pretty out of the way. There's no stumbling across this park, that's for sure. I can't wait to explore again. On the next sunny day, I'll be back. read more

ONE OF MY FAV PLACES IN PORTLAND i wouldn't suggest walking here since its SO HIGH UP.. but as long as you can find a car you'll get here to enjoy the beautiful view!!! (although there are a lot of trees so you don't quite get a panoramic view) i wish we had more time to walk through the trials in the pristine forest, but i don't know where people park their cars if they walk these trails since there's no real parking lot up here... we just parked on that one street that loops around this park, which was okay for the short term read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I'm here regularly. From what I hear from Lincoln friends, it's a big make out spot; and it's Portland's highest spot in elevation. Daytimes it has views, but trees have blocked some, nighttime it's lights. It closes at 10PM and the gate is locked. Park on Council Crest by Beaverton, or at Fairmount and Talbot, anytime, and walk, disturbing not the neighbors, bring a blanket. There is a designated dog walk area for days too. At the highest spot there is a compass style area. Stand in the middle and your voice echoes, the wall has markers pointing to mountain peaks in the distance. read more

Great View of the City, 15 minutes from downtown... If you have time come check this place out... Start early in the morning and you can walk through their trails.. The hike isn't bad but its fresh air up there is great and its very peaceful. This place is definitely worth the stop.. The view is amazing on a clear day. read more

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This is an awesome spot for walking dogs and cyclists love it. There's also a really quirky acoustic trick when you reach the center of the circle. read more

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You cannot see the waterfront fireworks from this park. I'm just putting that out there cuz I showed up here last 4th of July kinda hoping for a view of the waterfront show. I looked all over yelp and the internet for info on this and could not find anything! But...I was not the only person who wanted this spot to work out, hundreds of people were up there. It was actually super crowded and everyone was very disappointed. You can only see other towns fireworks shows from a far off distance. I am going to change the subject now and review the park. I love this park. It's so peaceful and a great spot to watch the sunset. Multiple hiking trails go to and from this park. A great thing about this park is you can sit in your car and get some ok views. For those times when you are a little lazy. read more

Council Crest Park is the highest point in the city, and as long as the clouds are not too low, it feels as if you can see forever around the peak. The park has paved and unpaved paths, a dog off-leash area, picnic tables, public art, a vista point, and a wedding site that can be reserved. It is open year round and rumor has it that there used to be an amusement park here. This bit of green space really feels as if you are not in the city limits, but you really are. It is amazing, and I just love this park and the views. read more

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I was expecting a better view from Council Crest but it was nothing special. Driving up was pretty easy. Parking was curb side along the park. There is a silo and phone tower on top. There were a few dogs. Looks like a fun place if I had my pups with me. But for me as a sight, it was not worth the visit. read more

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To sum up Council Crest Park: Beautiful. Definitely has the best view. Definitely easy to get lost when driving there...kinda....but getting back can be a doozy as well. I've gotten lost a few times taking wrong turns on streets through the hill and ending up clear on the other side of Terwillager. Oh well. Council crest isn't a big park (or at least the main area on top of the hill isn't) but you can use it as a starting or end point to a glorious hike. Parking can be iffy as it's in a round-about and will certainly get crowded on the weekends. Most recently some friends and I had a BBQ up here and had a great time. Never found a bathroom though? Is there one? We finally found one lone trash can. It can get windy up there. After all, you're on one of the tallest hills....lots of trees. The view is unbeatable though. It makes it all worth while! read more

TLDR; Stand in the middle of the stone circle and talk. Look for the nail right smack center. Council crest is one of my favourite parks to take people to because of the acoustic anomaly and the nice way the directional points of interest are laid out. I brought my husband here on a nice, breezy & sunny 80°F day. He enjoyed the surprise I had in store. We looked at the points of interest and smiled looking at Mt. Rainier, knowing that thing is literally in our backyard. I'm starting to date myself here but 15 years ago the view was magnificent. You could see the city at night and it just made the park almost magickal. The water tower has been fenced off since way back when. Not sure if that will ever change. Trees and foliage are all cool and what not, but my heart sank with the lack of view. Unfortunately the only pictures I have of the view are from back in the day when we were using potatoes to take pictures. read more

This place is gorgeous. According to the parks website, this is the highest point in Portland. It boasts an absolutely beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. I came across this place the first time while doing the 4T trail through Portland when I was new to the city. Recently I was inspired to make any early drive out to check out the view during a sunrise. I would definitely recommend it. It was suuuuuper cold out (I guess we are in the middle of Fall), but the view with the colorful sky over the mountains made it worth it. If you're coming out for the view, make sure it is on a clear day, or you won't see much. There is also an off-leash area for dogs. The park opens at 5 AM, but the gates don't open until 8 AM. Even though the gates are closed, the signs near the entrance state that you can park in the neighborhood streets after 5 AM, so you just have to walk a little farther. read more

Council Crest Park - Sunrise. - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Council Crest is one of my favorite local, accessible hikes in Portland. The hike isn't terribly long but it's just long enough to call it a workout and catch up with a friend. I swear, hiking to the top is a million times easier and faster than trying to figure out how to get there by car. Nightmare! Once you get there though the view at the top is simply stunning. You can see all the mountains in the area on a clear day. Heaven! I have been there countless times and have yet to get sick of it. I've hiked, I've picnicked, I've napped, I've yoga-ed, I've laughed, I've cried and there's even a chance I had sex there. If I haven't, I definitely plan to because it's totally euphoric on top (/double entendre). read more

Love this place, it has amazing views of downtown and a bunch of snow capped mountains in every direction. It's always fun to listen to people playing the piano as well. This place is one of the stops of the 4T trail too. read more

Incredible views!!!! This place is amazing during the summer, with crazy awesome sunsets. Sometimes the trees will block the view, but in fall winter, the views are pretty open. This should be on every portlanders top places to catch views of the city!!!! read more

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I'd imagine this provides a beautiful sight at the top, but I couldn't tell you because there was nothing but fog covering the scenery. What I can tell you is that plenty of people bring their dogs here and there are hiking trails for all you outdoorsy types out there. I was able to hear a woodpecker, but unfortunately, never saw it. Few bugs, few birds, few people. Peaceful, green, and refreshing. Just be warned, it can be a little confusing to find the place. And once you get to the top, there are several "No Parking" signs. However, if you keep driving, you'll feel like you're driving in a circle. This is because you ARE driving in a circle! Not too sure where everyone parks... There are NO public bathrooms along the trail, which is odd since the trail can stretch to approx. 4 miles (according to a sign). There are no trail markers that indicate how many miles you've trekked. Nor are the signs clear regarding which path you should take to continue on your current path when the trail is interrupted by roads. Also, watch out for fallen trees and super excited dogs. If none of this bothers you too much, then check out the park! It's great if you want to take a break from life and breathe in nature, or if you want to let your dog run loose and can trust your dog to return on its own. read more

Council Crest Park is the highest point in Portland and just 20 minutes from downtown. It's definitely worth a stop, especially on a clear day. There is a gate at the front entrance and unfortunately sometimes it's locked even during park hours. However there is plenty of parking on the street and I have never been ticketed. The park has many trails both paved and dirt but there are no bikes allowed. It's a great place to get some exercise while enjoying the 360 degree scenery. Dogs are allowed as well so it makes a great place to let them get out and run. On a really clear day you can see all the mountains in the cascade range including: Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Rainier. There is a giant compass in the center of the park which locates the direction of each mountain and its statistical information. Council Crest would be a fantastic place to have a summer picnic or to watch the sunset with that special someone. read more

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It was a nice sunny winter day free of rain. My friends and I decided to take their dog to Council Crest Park. It's very dog friendly and they have a leased and unleaded area for your four legged friend. You can drive up to the park or you can hike up. My friends weren't in the mood for a hike so we drove up (I will definitely be back to hike up, it seemed like it would be challenging but fun). There is limited parking up there so try not to come during peak hours. The park has a beautiful view looking over Portland. It's a nice place to just relax and walk around. They have plaques all around taking about the park and random history tidbits about the different views. Take a stroll, snap some pictures, and enjoy your day! read more

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Council Crest Park is a beautiful park overlooking the city of Portland. It's a great place to just sit and take in the scenery, especially of Mt. Hood. Parking can be pretty limited, so carpool for groups. Would be great if there were some comfort stations too, especially if you plan on hiking in the area, but that's minor. Definitely a great place to visit any time of year for the spectacular views! read more

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This park is beautiful! My friends and I was looking for a viewpoint that we haven't been to before and was a great to place to take picture and definitely this is the place! I also did not know that it was also a hike to get to the top! It's a pretty big park where you are able to see the view of Mount Hood and St. Helen. There are pretty good spots to just sit down and embrace the environment. My friends and I took a lot of pictures and enjoyed the view of the mountains. I would definitely go back! And recommend anyone visiting or even anyone who loves views to just go there! read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Amazing view of Portland. It's a bit hard to find the park, so be sure you know where you're going, or go with someone who knows the area. It's pretty dark here, if we were the only people there, it would have been pretty spooky.. I wish I came during day time though, so I could see all the mountains. The view at night is pretty and romantic =D read more

Council Crest Park - Beautiful view of Portland, iPhone photo does no justices - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The view of Portland is great, especially on a clear day. There is lots of parking and lots of space for you to put down a blanket and chill. It's pretty small, but there are a couple of trails. We didn't get to check out the trails when we went though. There was also a cool piano in the middle of the park (a temporary art installment?) that people were playing on. Trees are also too far apart to hammock on (edit: I have learned it is apparently illegal to hammock in parks in Portland. who would have thought) read more

Council Crest Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is a really nice park with some amazing views. It's a hill top with lots of grass some trees a broadcast tower... Day or dark it's a great place to come for the views. The lights are amazing. Tip, it's a great picnic spot! read more

Hello HIDDEN GEM in Portland!!!! Hello gorgeous view of the city + mountains! Hello dog-park friendly place to frolic around (leashed) Hello couples! Go get a room! (yes it's a make-out sesh) Hello breathtaking fresh air after panting during my "4T" hike (4T = Trail, Trolley, Tram Train) Hello panoramic picturesque paparazzi (yes that's you!) Hello place I'd like to come visit again! read more

Someone showed me the secret spot to stand in order to experience an acoustic phenomenon. ... it echos when you talk. So cool!

Yes, it's a big makeout spot, probably because it's Portland's highest point and that means near-panoramic views of the city at night. (Awesome views, by the way.) So how about some things you didn't know? Fun facts!!! * There's a trail to this spot from Marquam Nature Park! * Sometimes the park gate will be locked just because! * The statue of the woman and her baby was once stolen with the help of a hacksaw; it was later recovered from a random backyard after being missing for something like a decade! * That baby can support the weight of a man! * You will not be able to climb the structure on the summit without some serious grappling hook skills, so don't even try! read more