If you previously held the belief that Council Crest was the loftiest perch in all of Portland, you're not alone, but you're also slightly mistaken. It turns out there are places along Skyline Boulevard that reach 1,200+ ft above sea level.

OK, so Council Crest Park is one of the highest points in the city. We're willing to bet that a minor difference in elevation won't take away from the major sense of accomplishment when you hike to the top.

Quick facts

Starting points: Marquam Nature Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.6 miles
Route type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 820 ft
Trail surface: Dirt
Wheelchair accessible: No
Open: Year-round, 5 a.m. to midnight
Dog friendly: Yes, leashed

Brief overview

From the picnic shelter and mosaic, you can either take the Shadyside Trail that follows the bottom of the gully or stick to the Sunnyside Trail (as you can imagine, it tends to get more daylight). Continue among the Douglas fir, western hemlock, and bigleaf maples until you meet up with Marquam Trail, which winds among houses and across several neighborhood streets to your final destination. There, you can reward your canine companion with a bit of freedom at the off-leash area.

Trolleys would carry people up to Council Crest until 1950 when they ceased operations. | Photos via Wikimedia Commons

Why you should try it

Making the climb is a great way to get your heart rate up while also taking in views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Rainier on clear days. The site has rich history, represented by its various past names. There was even an amusement park from 1907 to 1929, the “Dreamland of the Northwest,” which wowed guests with a Ferris wheel, a boat ride, and an observation tower.

Pro tips

There are ways to add distance to this route on the way back down, but it requires walking along neighborhood streets that may or may not have sidewalks. You can also drive to the top to do the trek in reverse.

Let us know

Did you try this hike? Do you know of one we should check out? Send us your thoughts and recommendations — or check out our other monthly hiking guides.