by Cheyenne Harding
In 1936, under the Federal Art Project, artists and builders got together to create the historic Timberline Lodge located on Mount Hood. You can take an art tour that highlights carvings, mosaics, textiles and other artworks. There are over 30 stops on the art tour that go in depth about the creation of the lodge. The artwork symbolizes the strength of the mountain. The lodge was hand-built during the Great Depression by displaced artists and builders.
Timberline Lodge offers a cozy stay in a rustic-styled space. All of the rooms offer a view of Mount Hood or Mount Jefferson—you may even get lucky and have a view of both. You can snuggle up by the grand, stone fireplace in the lobby with a cup of hot chocolate while gazing at the magnificent craftsmanship of the room.
The traditional homelands and communities of many Native American tribes surround Timberline Lodge. On the west, they share land boundaries with Willamette, Clackamas, Molalla, Multnomah, Watlala, Chinook, Salish, Kathlemet, Tualatin, Kalapuya and many more who today are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. On the east, they share land boundaries with Warm Springs, Wasco, Piute, Tenino, Wishram and more of the high desert and Columbia River, known as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
The mountain offers phenomenal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor winter activities such as snowshoeing and tubing. But you don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy the mountain. You can take a scenic snowcat ride to the 8,500-foot elevation in a heated snowcat, and at the top, while savoring the views of the Cascades, you will be treated to wine with a cheese and fruit plate.
Adding to the alpine ambiance, there are two St. Bernards on property, Heidi and Bruno. Bruno and Heidi are available to go on a 45-minute hike or snowshoe with you. The excursion begins at the lodge and includes trail mix, dog treats and bottled water.
After your adventure-filled day, dine at one of the lodge’s restaurants. Signature dishes include Pacific salmon crudo and elk bratwurst. Local wine, beer, cider and spirits are available. House favorites include a Timberline vodka martini, Highland Meadow blonde ale and Timberline red and white wines.
For more information about Timberline Lodge, visit timberlinelodge.com. Plan your trip to the Oregon’s Mt. Hood area at mthoodterritory.com.
