When you step inside Timberline Lodge, a destination ski resort perched 6,000 feet atop the slope of Mt. Hood, you can sense the storied history. The lodge — a noted example of Cascadian architecture — was built during the Great Depression by the Works Project Administration as part of a work relief project. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the building and in 1977 the lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Surrounded by Mt. Hood National Forest, the lodge sits about 3.5 miles from the summit of the eponymous mountain, the highest peak in Oregon and the second most-climbed mountain in the world, after Japan’s Mt. Fuji. Although the lodge sees close to 2 million visitors a year, it’s an intimate mountain retreat with only 70 guest rooms that range from king fireplace rooms to European chalet bunk rooms.
In summertime, this place is a hotspot for hikers and mountain bikers and come winter through spring, skiers and snowboarders swish swiftly down the slopes. Instagram-worthy perks include a year-round outdoor heated swimming pool, three grand lobby fireplaces and two supremely photogenic St. Bernard mascots (Heidi and Bruno) who are most often found snoozing at the registration desk. Another draw for outdoor enthusiasts: You can get a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail just outside the lodge.
Whether you travel for the slopes or sensational views, a best-kept secret to this mountain lodge is the robust culinary program run by executive chef Jason Stoller Smith. There are seven — yes, seven — distinct restaurants across the property. In the main lodge, you’ll find classic fare with a Northwest-focused wine list at the Cascade Dining Room. For a more casual scene, try the alpine plates and micro-brews at Ram’s Head Bar, or hand-tossed pizzas and signature cocktails at the legendary Blue Ox Bar.
A few steps away from the lodge, skiers and snowboarders can zoom in for a hearty bite at Wy’East Café or warm up with a hot toddy at Y’Bar. The mid-mountain scene is at the newly remodeled Phlox Point Cabin where you can kick-back in Adirondack chairs perched in fresh powder and take advantage of the ski in ski out street cart style tacos. Six miles down the mountain you can sip brews with altitude Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
The most dramatic place to dine is at Silcox Hut, a warming hut that’s perched one mile above the lodge — 6,950 feet — the only way up is by snowcat or the Magic Mile Chair Lift. You can rent the lodge for groups or plan ahead for the quick-to-sell-out Winemakers Dinner Series, a rarified way to celebrate Northwest wines. Looks like now is the perfect time to start planning for that snow day.
