Council Crest
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location:
- Council Crest Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Marquam Trail to Council Crest Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Elevation: 1073 feet
Contents |
Description
At 1073 feet, Council Crest is the highest elevation within the city limits of Portland. This was once the site of the Council Crest amusement park, from 1907 until it closed on Labor Day 1929. The park featured a roller coaster-like "Scenic Railway", a steam powered miniature railway, a water boat ride billed as a "Trip up the Columbia" and a giant ferris wheel. Much of the park survived until it was demolished in 1941. The base of the 77 foot tall park observatory tower was rebuilt into the water tower visible today. Like most Portland Amusement parks, the area was served and heavily promoted by trolley lines. Even after the amusement park closed, trolleys continued to bring tourists to see the views until 1950.
Today, the area is much quieter than the amusement park days. The quiet, grassy lawns contrast sharply with the chaotic, carnival atmosphere of the park's heyday. The views however are the same. On a clear day expect to see five snow-clad volcanoes, and the entire city laid out before you.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Council Crest
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Council Crest
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon Fourth edition, by William Sullivan
More Links
- The story of the amusement park at Council Crest at pdxhistory.com
- Learn about the trolleys at Council Crest Trolleys at pdxhistory.com
Contributors
- Martell (creator)
- Stevefromdodge