It’s mid-June on Mount Hood, but from the looks of it, you’d think it was January. Skiers and snowboarders are filtering out of buses and making their way to the ski lodge to suit up. Soon, they’ll be heading past Timberline Lodge as they make their way to the nearest lift up the mountain. Year-round skiing is certainly a huge reason to visit Timberline Lodge, but it’s not the only reason. The Lodge is a tribute to the builders, artists and skilled craftsmen that contributed to this amazing architectural structure.

Ever since the mid-1800s, the south side of Mount Hood has been a popular gathering place for skiers, climbers and other mountain visitors. In fact, even as early as 1916 there was enough traffic on the mountain that the Forest Service built a cabin there. In 1924 a larger hotel was constructed where meals were served and beds could be rented for the night. This natural gathering place for Mt. Hood enthusiasts was just begging for a better structure to accommodate all the visitors.

When the Great Depression hit, thousands of Oregonians lost their jobs. In response to the financial devastation of millions of Americans due to the economy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Works Progress Administration (WPA) that helped create jobs for those Americans.

One of those jobs was the construction of the Timberline Lodge, located on the south slope of Mt. Hood in Government Camp, Oregon. Construction on the Lodge began in 1936 and was complete after a mere 18 months. The Lodge was dedicated on September 28, 1937 by President Roosevelt and has since become one of Oregon’s most beloved tourist attractions.

The Lodge is a gorgeous monument to all of the people that contributed to it. The work of over 500 people, including architects, stonemasons, blacksmiths, weavers, furniture makers, construction workers, painters, upholsterers and wood carvers, is forever captured in time at Timberline Lodge.

Visitors will delight in the decorative details like stone buttressed walls, hand-carved posts in the shape of native animals, hand-crafted furniture and light fixtures, hand-hooked rugs and upholstery, wrought iron sculptures, and so much more.

Huge observation windows give visitors a fabulous view of the mountain while they keep warm and cozy in the main lobby in one of the quaint sitting areas surrounding the gargantuan 92 foot fireplace. Those who are still feeling chilled can grab a hot toddy from the Rams Head Bar and just relax. Hungry visitors can dine in the elegant Cascade Dining Room that features a fantastic breakfast buffet.

A variety of different hotel accommodations, from rustic bunk-style rooms to larger suites with king beds and fireplaces, ensure that there is a place for all kinds of travelers to rest their heads for the evening.

Cool fact! Remember the film "The Shining" starring Jack Nicholson? The outdoor shots of the fictitious Overlook Hotel were filmed at Timberline Lodge.

For more details visit TimberlineLodge.com