Fall colors all the way to the Columbia River. | Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday
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 pointsin 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.
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.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” | Wednesday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage | $24+ | Revenge is a dish best served piping hot in this razor-sharp rendition of the Sondheim classic.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Addams Family Values BINGO w/ Violet Hex | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7 p.m. | Portland Art Museum | $15+ | Enjoy a screening of the cult classic movie and games that make you go snap snap.
June Carter & Johnny Cash Tribute Show | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | Mississippi Pizza Pub | $10 | Hear iconic songs like “Jackson” and “It Ain’t Me Babe” sung in the style of the beloved married musicians.
Friday, Oct. 25
Argyle Spooky Bites & Booz | Friday, Oct. 25 | 4-7 p.m. | Argyle Winery, Dundee | Free | See what’s brewing at this special launch of the 2020 Ruby Brut, a red and bubbly wine that’s wickedly good.
An Evening in Andalusia | Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | BAR Botellón | Price of purchase | Enjoy a special tapas menu and regional wines alongside live music, courtesy of David Tutmark.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Wine Blending Experience | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Oak Flat Vineyards | $55 | Immerse yourself in the process of how Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre are blended + make your own wine blend in the tasting room.*
Pro tip: Your museum admission ticket includes access to Exquisite Creatures Revealed. | Photo provided by Christopher Marley
What do a 10-ft-wide Japanese Spider Crab, a striking Amazonian stingray, and a never-before-preserved leafy seadragon have in common? You can find them on display at Christopher Marley’s new exhibit.
The Oregon-based artist + naturalist’s intricate artwork features rare organisms from around the world in stunning displays. Visitors have an opportunity to broaden their knowledge about biodiversity + conservation while admiring lasting tributes to the natural world.
The days of sunshine are behind us, ahead lies cozy cottages and snow-covered cabins. This winter, when you’re looking for an escape from the confines of your own living space, these rentals are the perfect opportunity for some R&R and a change of scenery. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Cause
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is celebrating 20 years of its Freestyle fundraiser, which pairs patients with Nike designers to create signature shoes that are then auctioned off; since its inception, the project has raised $37 million. A special hoodie with elements of each design will also be available.
A pair of recently opened restaurants are closing. Zula, the Northwest 23rd Avenue Tel-Aviv-inspired eatery, and Toyshop Ramen on Northeast Killingsworth Street are both done serving guests. The latter has pivoted to Take Two, a neighborhood watering hole that serves as a companion to Gabbiano’s across the street. (KGW + Portland Business Journal)
Answered
It appears that Halprin and Moore’s vision for Pioneer Courthouse Square was our readers’ favorite alternate design, earning 51% of votes. It certainly would have created a cohesive look between it and other downtown landmarks like Keller Fountain.
Sports
Lamar Hurd and Mike Richman discussed how Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan make the Blazers better — but will it be enough to get an opening game win against Golden State? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Trail Blazers with “Locked On Blazers.”
Number
Five minutes. That’s how quick it is to start advertising with PDXtoday using our self-service ad portal. Explore your options. Psst — no long-term contract required.
Seasonal
Seasonal
🎃 Costume conversation starters
You’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next Halloween costume at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. | Photo by PDXtoday
We thought of Portland-inspired costumes that don’t require spending an arm and a leg. Just know that we expect pictures if you try one.
Portland MLB player
The City of Roses’ big league aspirations are back in the land of the living following a reported deal for a future stadium site. Celebrate the undead diamond dream by becoming a zombie or skeleton in baseball attire.
The Smell
As an amorphous cloud of noxious gas, everyone will ask, “what are you?” to which you can emphatically reply, “EXACTLY” because no one knows what stench has been terrorizing residents of North Portland. Bonus points if you can find a matching cologne.
Ballot box
Lean into election season dread by having everyone at the house party submit their favorite scary movie (or other topic of your choice) on little pieces of paper. At the end of the night, count up the results and reveal the winner. Talk about a good way to help your friends and family understand ranked-choice voting.
The only thing we love more than a trendy find is a timeless one. Check out these five fall and winter fashion must-haves you’ll be wearing for years to come:
Bye-bye, Miss American Pie. Upon seeing the news that Shari’s would close all of its Oregon locations, I couldn’t help but get nostalgic for all the late-night breakfast runs my friends and I made after high school dances. The Beaverton-based chain cited eviction notices, unpaid bills, and back taxes as reasons for the abrupt decision.
