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.)
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 45 minute tour of historic Timberline Lodge. Explore the rich history of the Lodge and all it has to offer. Tours are free and available to everyone.
Meet at the U.S. Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge. Guided tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
Tours are free, but donations are appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in the future. For additional information, please call 503-622-2033 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.
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.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
Reserve a Ranger and book your own historic Timberline Lodge Tour, Guided Hike, or Campfire Talk! For additional information, please call 503-622-2033 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.
