Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing nearly two million visitors every year. Considered an architectural wonder, it’s still being used for its original intent—a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for all to enjoy.
Not everyone thought it could be done. Build a ski lodge near the top of Oregon’s tallest mountain at the brutal height of the Great Depression? But build it they did—entirely by hand, inside and out—from massive timbers and rock they found in the wilderness. “They” were unemployed craftspeople hired by the Federal Works Progress Administration. Timberline Lodge is a tribute to their skills and a monument to a government that responded to the needs of its people in a desperate time.
Ground was broken on June 14, 1936. Work was done amazingly quick, rushed due to extreme weather conditions and the uncertainty of the WPA’s future. Just 15 months had passed, when President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the completed lodge on September 28, 1937.
A Partnership of Collaborative Stewardship
R.L.K. and Company, Operators of Timberline Lodge, is proud to partner with the The United States Forest Service to provide the public with a quality experience when visiting Timberline. This private/public partnership is dedicated to the stewardship and interpretation of the historic building, as well as providing quality recreation within the capabilities of the ecosystem. The USFS, together with R.L.K. and Company, offers interpretive programs and special events for your enjoyment, and we always welcome your questions and comments. Together, we are Proud To Be Your Host.
A great review - complete with ‘virtual tour’ - of the lodge was posted by Jess Stryker on his Historic Hotels web site. Click here to check it out. (link will open in new browser window.)
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
All activities listed on this page are free and open to the public.
Timberline Lodge Tours
Join a U.S. Forest Service Ranger for a 25 minute tour of historic Timberline Lodge. Explore the rich history of the Lodge and all it has to offer.
Topics that will be discussed include: The Great Depression, The Works Progress Administration, Artwork of Timberline, Interior Design of Timberline, Lodge Architecture, Lodge History, Mount Hood History, Oregon Trail and the Barlow Road History, Ski History, Building of the Lodge, and more!
Where: Meet in the Barlow Room of Timberline Lodge.
When: Daily at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.
Timberline Alpine Talk
*Beginning July 4th
Explore the meaning of “Timberline” in this short 10-15 minute talk. Learn about some of the difficulties faced by plants, animals, and humans in this harsh environment.
Topics that will be discussed include: What is Timberline, life in an Alpine Environment, Alpine adaptations of plants, trees, and wildlife, Mount Hood History, Geology, and more!
Where: Meet at the Timberline Lodge outdoor amphitheater.
When: Friday – Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
The Builders of Timberline Video – 30 Minutes
Watch the video The Builders of Timberline in the Barlow Room of Historic Timberline Lodge. This video provides a wonderful overview of the Timberline Project and Lodge Construction.
Topics that will be discussed include: WPA history, Lodge History, Ski History and a general overview of the building of Timberline Lodge.
Where: Meet inside the Barlow Room at Timberline Lodge.
When: Daily at 12:30 p.m.
Timberline Guided Hike – Mountaineer Trail
*Beginning July 4th or when snow is appropriately melted.
Accompany a USFS ranger on a 2 mile guided hike of Timberline’s Mountaineer Trail into the heart of the alpine environment. Along the way you will discover the remains of a historic cabin and learn about the geology, history, and struggles faced by plants & animals in these harsh surroundings.
Topics that will be discussed include: Mount Hood History, Geology, Plants, Wildlife, the Alpine Environment, Ski History, Climbing History, Local History, and More!
Additional Information: All interpretation & Education will be provided on the way out along the Mountaineer Trail to allow for visitors to return to their vehicles or the Lodge at their own pace. The hike along the Mountaineer Trail is moderately strenuous so be sure to bring water, comfortable shoes, and a sack lunch if desired.
Where: Meet at the USFS desk inside the Timberline Lodge Lobby.
When: Friday & Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Smokey’s Birthday
Celebrate the big 6-5 with Smokey and his Ranger Friends! Join us for cake, Smokey songs, games, prizes, and more!
Where: Timberline Lodge
When: 10:00 – 3:00 on August 15th, 2009
All activities listed on this page are free and open to the public.
Timberline Lodge Tours
Join a U.S. Forest Service Ranger for a 25 minute tour of historic Timberline Lodge. Explore the rich history of the Lodge and all it has to offer.
Topics that will be discussed include: The Great Depression, The Works Progress Administration, Artwork of Timberline, Interior Design of Timberline, Lodge Architecture, Lodge History, Mount Hood History, Oregon Trail and the Barlow Road History, Ski History, Building of the Lodge, and more!
Where: Meet in the Barlow Room of Timberline Lodge.
When: Daily at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00.
Timberline Alpine Talk
*Beginning July 4th
Explore the meaning of “Timberline” in this short 10-15 minute talk. Learn about some of the difficulties faced by plants, animals, and humans in this harsh environment.
Topics that will be discussed include: What is Timberline, life in an Alpine Environment, Alpine adaptations of plants, trees, and wildlife, Mount Hood History, Geology, and more!
Where: Meet at the Timberline Lodge outdoor amphitheater.
When: Friday – Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
The Builders of Timberline Video – 30 Minutes
Watch the video The Builders of Timberline in the Barlow Room of Historic Timberline Lodge. This video provides a wonderful overview of the Timberline Project and Lodge Construction.
Topics that will be discussed include: WPA history, Lodge History, Ski History and a general overview of the building of Timberline Lodge.
Where: Meet inside the Barlow Room at Timberline Lodge.
When: Daily at 12:30 p.m.
Timberline Guided Hike – Mountaineer Trail
*Beginning July 4th or when snow is appropriately melted.
Accompany a USFS ranger on a 2 mile guided hike of Timberline’s Mountaineer Trail into the heart of the alpine environment. Along the way you will discover the remains of a historic cabin and learn about the geology, history, and struggles faced by plants & animals in these harsh surroundings.
Topics that will be discussed include: Mount Hood History, Geology, Plants, Wildlife, the Alpine Environment, Ski History, Climbing History, Local History, and More!
Additional Information: All interpretation & Education will be provided on the way out along the Mountaineer Trail to allow for visitors to return to their vehicles or the Lodge at their own pace. The hike along the Mountaineer Trail is moderately strenuous so be sure to bring water, comfortable shoes, and a sack lunch if desired.
Where: Meet at the USFS desk inside the Timberline Lodge Lobby.
When: Friday & Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Smokey’s Birthday
Celebrate the big 6-5 with Smokey and his Ranger Friends! Join us for cake, Smokey songs, games, prizes, and more!
Where: Timberline Lodge
When: 10:00 – 3:00 on August 15th, 2009
