Welcome to Council Crest Park! It was named in 1898, when members of the National Council of Congregational Churches gathered and, supposing that Native American councils had similarly gathered in this spot, gave this place its current name. This is one of the highest points in the West Hills and on clear days affords terrific views of downtown Portland as well as Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Rainier.
Welcome to Council Crest Park!
At the center of the park is a giant compass rose, which includes an inscription describing that 1898 gathering as well as plaques identifying the aforementioned Cascade Range peaks. Northwest of the compass rose you will find two towers: a water tower and a radio tower. The water tower is in fact on the site of the old observation tower that was erected in 1907, along with an amusement park that in its heyday included a scenic railway, a canal boat ride, a Ferris wheel, a midway, a dance hall, and even a paddlewheel boat. Trolleys from downtown Portland brought patrons from all over the city up to the "Dreamland of the Northwest."
Vintage postcard showing Dreamland attractions
The amusement park closed in 1929 and the City of Portland acquired the land in 1937. The observation tower, the first and last part of the amusement park, was torn down in 1941. The amusement park is now a mostly-forgotten part of history; Council Crest Park is now a peaceful place to take in the view, explore nature, and reflect on the past.
Park hours are 5 am to midnight. Please observe this restriction while geocaching in Council Crest Park.
Before logging this virtual cache, please send me an email (crunchyfrog83@gmail.com) with answers to the following questions:
1) At Waypoint 1 (N 45° 29.953 W 122° 42.470) you will find a viewpoint overlooking the City of Portland. What are the two words at the top of the plaque at the viewpoint?
2) At Waypoint 2 (N 45° 29.900 W 122° 42.478) you will find a very elaborate drinking fountain. What is the name of the man who was brother and uncle to the models used for this sculpture?
3) There are several memorial benches circling the water tower. Find the one dedicated to Nicole. The inscription includes a quotation. To whom is the quotation attributed?
Optional: Photos at the first two waypoints are highly encouraged!
For extra bonus credit: Check out the lovely essay here about Council Crest as a touchstone for reflecting on childhood memories as well as local history. Find the tree referenced in the essay and take a photo with the tree.
Congrats to FTF jewilk1 and OmNom!
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.