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. It was constructed as a public works project by artists and laborers during the 1930s Depression.
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.
This rustic lodge has hotel rooms, three restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, games room, and exercise room. It's also 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.
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. Swim in the outdoor pool and hot tub.
Visitors love to swim in the heated outdoor pool or hut tub at Timberline Lodge while surrounded by fresh snow in winter, then step inside the lodge to use the sauna and exercise room.
2. 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.
3. Stop by the Barlow Room for games.
Play shuffleboard and ping pong in the historic Barlow Room at Timberline Lodge.
4. Hang out in the 1930s lobby with a book and wine.
The lobby at Timberline Lodge is a great place to relax in the evening with a good book and wine. The centerpiece of the lobby is a towering 92-foot fireplace made from volcanic rock. The magnificent lobby has huge exposed beams, wrought iron lighting fixtures and a planked floor.
5. Enjoy a meal in the formal dining room.
The historic Cascade Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is 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.
6. Savor incredible views from the Rams Head Bar.
The Rams Head Bar is on the second floor of Timberline Lodge, and serves handcrafted ales, cocktails, wine cocoa and comfort food.. Tables are scattered around a circular balcony overlooking the central stone fireplace. There are also plenty of window seats with views of Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson.
7. Eat pizza at the Blue Ox Bar.
Head to the cosy Blue Ox Bar tucked away in the lower floor, for pizza and live music!
8. Do a guided tour of the historic lodge.
Meet at the USFS Desk in the lower lobby for guided tours of Timberline Lodge. Learn about unique artworks and architectural features of the lodge, and the lives of workers involved in its construction. 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. Get info here.
9. 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.
10. Ride the Magic Mile Chairlift in summer to 7,000 feet.
Take the Magic Mile chairlift ride up to 7,000 feet, to enjoy 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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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