See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
Park
This page contains information about Council Crest Park in the Southwest Hills neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.
Description
Council Crest Park sits high in hilly Southwest Portland. At 43 acres, it's known for open space, scenic views, and peaceful setting overlooking the city.
At 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is one of the highest public points in Portland. On a clear day, you can see several Cascade peaks, including Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Rainier. Many people visit at sunrise or sunset to take in the wide, open views.
The park has a simple and welcoming layout. A large grassy area at the summit is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or spend time with family and friends. Paved and unpaved paths loop around the park, making it easy to take a short walk or enjoy a longer stroll. There is also a dog off-leash area where dogs can run and play.
Council Crest has an interesting history. It was once the site of the Council Crest Amusement Park, which operated from 1907 to 1929. Today, the park still draws visitors from across the region, but now for its quiet beauty rather than rides and attractions.
You'll also find a bronze statue of a mother and child near the entrance. The sculpture shows a simple, joyful moment and reflects the park's role as a place for rest and connection.
Surrounded by tall trees and nearby natural areas, Council Crest Park is home to birds and other wildlife. Whether you're visiting for the views, a solo walk, or want to spend time in nature with people you like hanging out with, this park offers a calm and memorable experience above the city.
A note about vehicle access
Motor vehicles may access the park beginning at 8am daily but are not allowed at night.
- April 1 through October 31, the park is closed to motor vehicles at 9pm.
- November 1 through March 31, the park is closed to motor vehicles at 7pm.
The gate may remain closed during inclement weather.
Map
Year acquired
1937
Size in acres
42.95
History
At 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is one of the highest points in Portland. Originally known as Talbot's Mountain after its pioneer settlers, it has also been known as Glass Hill and later as Fairmount, the name of the road that encircles it. As for how it got its current name, there are two widely shared theories. One is that the name comes from stories that Native Americans held gatherings and lit signal fires here. The second comes from McArthur's Oregon Geographic Names, where the author suggests it was named in 1898 by delegates to the National Council of Congregational Churches, who met at the summit.
The water tower that now stands atop Council Crest replaced a 77-foot-tall wooden observatory that was part of the Council Crest Amusement Park, which operated from 1907 to 1929 and was torn down in 1941. From the top of the hill, visitors can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Rainier. The park also offers sweeping views of Portland and surrounding communities.
In July 1956, a welded, sheet-bronze drinking fountain featuring a mother and child was installed in the park. Sculpted by Frederic Littman, an associate professor of art at Portland State College, it has often been mistakenly identified as a "pioneer woman." The sculptor said the statue was not meant to represent a specific era. Instead, it shows a mother and child playing in the park and is meant to express joy. The fountain was made possible by a $6,000 bequest to the city in 1949 from the estate of Florence Laberee, widow of local builder and contractor George P. Laberee.
In 1990, the statue was stolen after being cut from its base. Police recovered it within a few days at a Northeast Portland home, and it was returned to the park soon after. After its recovery, the statue was later placed near the park entrance, rather than its original location on the eastern side of the park.