Council Crest Park - Portland, OR
Council Crest Park: Scenic Dog-Friendly Destination in Portland, Oregon
Located at the highest point in Portland, Council Crest Park offers stunning views and a peaceful escape for you and your dog. This iconic dog park in Portland, Oregon, features wide open grassy spaces, shaded areas under mature trees, and picturesque trails—perfect for pet-friendly strolls or hiking adventures. The park is well maintained, making it ideal for leisurely walks, dog-friendly hiking, and relaxing in nature.
Council Crest Park stands out with its unique landmarks, like the celebrated water and communication towers and historical markers. While the park isn’t known for highly developed dog facilities (such as separate small/large dog areas or agility equipment), visitors appreciate its serene environment, benches with beautiful views, and welcoming, open space where dogs can safely stretch their legs—sometimes off-leash in practice. If you’re searching for a tranquil spot to explore Portland’s natural beauty with your furry companion, Council Crest Park is a local favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Some visitors let their dogs off-leash, but official leash requirements are not clearly posted. Please use best judgment and check local signage.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are plenty of mature trees and shaded areas throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches are available so owners can relax while enjoying the surroundings.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Council Crest Park connects to local hiking trails, making it great for dog-friendly hikes.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors noted that the park is nicely maintained year-round.
Reviews
This park…while I had wanted to experience the hike up via the trail system, I ran out of time during my visit. Its a little oasis at the top of Portland. There are some beautiful trees and maintained flower beds to enjoy. And I bet on a clear day, either the sunrise or sunset would be spectacular.
This park…while I had wanted to experience the hike up via the trail system, I ran out of time during my visit. Its a little oasis at the top of Portland. There are some beautiful trees and maintained flower beds to enjoy. And I bet on a clear day, either the sunrise or sunset would be spectacular.
This park…while I had wanted to experience the hike up via the trail system, I ran out of time during my visit. Its a little oasis at the top of Portland. There are some beautiful trees and maintained flower beds to enjoy. And I bet on a clear day, either the sunrise or sunset would be spectacular.
Kinda expected to see more. I mean, scenic vista-wise. Not expected: an enormous water tower and communications tower as unavoidable main attractions. The set up designed for establishing the park site’s significance was odd. One plaque described a view of Columbia and Willamette Rivers along with Mt. Hood — except none of these was visible due to obstructing vegetation. A second plaque described an amusement park there — except that was in 1909-1929. So, the significance according to these markers were things not to be seen. On the OTHER hand, right there, impossible to be missed (the proverbial white elephant on the hillside crest), were the two towers. And they were both neglected by the Plaque Masters.
Admittedly, the location is serene, nice for a leisurely stroll, and sparsely appointed with flowering garden sorts of features, like paths, benches facing random directions, a flowering plant here and there. Mostly grass, however.
Those TOWERS though! My, I wanted to learn more about them. Perhaps next time? …
Kinda expected to see more. I mean, scenic vista-wise. Not expected: an enormous water tower and communications tower as unavoidable main attractions. The set up designed for establishing the park site’s significance was odd. One plaque described a view of Columbia and Willamette Rivers along with Mt. Hood — except none of these was visible due to obstructing vegetation. A second plaque described an amusement park there — except that was in 1909-1929. So, the significance according to these markers were things not to be seen. On the OTHER hand, right there, impossible to be missed (the proverbial white elephant on the hillside crest), were the two towers. And they were both neglected by the Plaque Masters.
Admittedly, the location is serene, nice for a leisurely stroll, and sparsely appointed with flowering garden sorts of features, like paths, benches facing random directions, a flowering plant here and there. Mostly grass, however.
Those TOWERS though! My, I wanted to learn more about them. Perhaps next time? …
Kinda expected to see more. I mean, scenic vista-wise. Not expected: an enormous water tower and communications tower as unavoidable main attractions. The set up designed for establishing the park site’s significance was odd. One plaque described a view of Columbia and Willamette Rivers along with Mt. Hood — except none of these was visible due to obstructing vegetation. A second plaque described an amusement park there — except that was in 1909-1929. So, the significance according to these markers were things not to be seen. On the OTHER hand, right there, impossible to be missed (the proverbial white elephant on the hillside crest), were the two towers. And they were both neglected by the Plaque Masters.
Admittedly, the location is serene, nice for a leisurely stroll, and sparsely appointed with flowering garden sorts of features, like paths, benches facing random directions, a flowering plant here and there. Mostly grass, however.
Those TOWERS though! My, I wanted to learn more about them. Perhaps next time? …
Beautiful area with great views. There’s some trails for walking too. Be sure to stand in the center of the circle and hear your echo.
I think this is the tallest point in Portland
Beautiful area with great views. There’s some trails for walking too. Be sure to stand in the center of the circle and hear your echo.
I think this is the tallest point in Portland
Beautiful area with great views. There’s some trails for walking too. Be sure to stand in the center of the circle and hear your echo.
I think this is the tallest point in Portland
I hiked up the 4T and the Trolley trails from the Zoo. Great views of the Cascade volcanoes. Nicely maintained park with the occasional signage about the history of the park, and the local trail/transit system.