Stay overnight at a classic northwestern lodge on Oregon's Mt Hood.
Mt Hood's famous Timberline Lodge is 1.5 hours south-east of Portland, and is famous for its superb craftsmanship, constructed as a public works project by artists and laborers during the 1930s Depression.
This rustic lodge has hotel rooms, two restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and is steps away from ski slopes, snowshoeing, and hiking and mountain bike trails in summer. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in Oregon from this incredible mountain location.
Timberline Lodge sits at an elevation of 5,960 feet on the south side of Mt Hood (11,250 feet), and is easily accessible off Highway 26.
The famous exterior of Timberline Lodge was used in the 1980 Jack Nicholson movie The Shining, and is a National Historic Landmark.
10 best things to do at Timberline Lodge
1. Stay overnight at historic Timberline Lodge.
Book a cosy hotel room inside Timberline Lodge, with handcrafted furniture, a roaring fire, and Native American inspired textiles. There's no TV in the rooms, but DVDs and players can be rented at the front desk, and WIFI is also available.
Get access to amenities like a fitness room, games room, and library, and lots of board games. Visitors love to swim in the heated outdoor pool while surrounded by fresh snow in winter, relax in the adjacent hot tub, then step inside the lodge to use the sauna.
2. Explore the 1930s-style interior of this beautiful lodge.
Timberline Lodge was built during the Great Depression to provide much needed employment, and was dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1937. It's a superb example of 1930's craftsmanship, and there are old photos and displays throughout the lodge documenting this era.
The three-level Timberline Lodge has accommodation on the top floor, a rustic lobby on the middle floor, and exhibition center on the lower floor.
The lobby has huge exposed beams, wrought iron lighting fixtures and a planked floor, and the centerpiece of the lobby is a towering 92-foot fireplace made from volcanic rock. This is a great place to relax in the evening with a good book and glass of wine, while taking advantage of the free chess board.
3. Do a guided tour of the historic lodge.
Meet at the USFS Desk in the lower lobby for guided tours of the historic lodge, where you can learn about unique architectural features of the lodge, and the lives of workers involved in its construction. Get info here.
4. Enjoy a gourmet meal in the formal dining room.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available in the historic Cascade Dining Room, relatively unchanged from the 1930s. This room is particularly atmospheric by candlelight in the evenings, when you can admire the low-slung rafters, stone fireplace, and hand forged wrought iron light fittings. The northwest inspired menu is full of culinary delights, and has an award winning wine list.
5. Savor incredible views of Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson from the Rams Head Bar.
The Rams Head Bar has a more casual vibe, with tables scattered around a circular balcony on the second floor, overlooking the central stone fireplace. Purchase handcrafted ales, cocktails, wine, cocoa and comfort food while looking out at Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson.
6. Explore hiking and biking trails directly outside the lodge.
During summer you can explore easy walking trails directly outside Timberline Lodge, with magnificent views of the south flank of Mt Hood.
There's also an incredible network of downhill mountain biking trails, ranging from easy to most difficult. Purchase a Mt Hood Fusion Bike Park Pass for unlimited rides up the ski lifts with your bike, then take a thrilling ride down the mountain! Die hard bike enthusiasts can also sign up for bike camps and private biking lessons.
7. Ride the Magic Mile Chairlift in summer to 7,000 feet.
There's also a Magic Mile chairlift ride to 7,000 feet with incredible mountain views. It takes 30 minutes to complete the chairlift ride, or 2 hours if you walk back down the mountain. Check ticket prices.
8. Take advantage of the longest ski season in North America, including summer skiing!
Mount Hood is the only ski resort in North America open year-round, and access to lifts is conveniently located directly outside Timberline Lodge. The Olympic Ski Team even trains here during summer months.
Mt Hood accommodates all ski levels, with 25% beginner runs, 50% intermediate and 25% advanced. Advanced skiers can take a snow-cat to more challenging parts of the mountain. Timberline Lodge is located above the tree-line, and the views from the slopes are magnificent on a clear day.
9. Explore a snowshoeing trail outside the lodge.
There's also a 3/4 mile groomed snowshoe trail outside Timberline Lodge, with rentals available at the Wy'East Day Lodge. During winter you can also meet at the lower lobby of Timberline Lodge for guided snowshoe tours of Mt Hood with a USFS Ranger. Tubing and sledding is not permitted at Timberline Lodge, but there is a tubing hill at nearby Government Camp.
10. Celebrate a special occasion at Silcox Hut.
Rustic Silcox Hut is 7,000 feet up the mountain and is available to rent for larger groups of 12 to 24. This is perfect for a special occasion, with an exciting ride up to the hut by snowcat.
Attractions near Timberline Lodge
- Columbia Gorge - 75 miles northwest
- Hood River Wineries - 47 miles north
- Lost Lake - 43 miles northwest
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