At 11,245 feet, Mt. Hood looms large over Portland.
Timberline Lodge sits at the 6,000 foot elevation on Oregon’s Mt. Hood. The National Historic Landmark is a product of the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the lodge when it opened in 1937.
Today, it’s one of Oregon’s biggest tourist draws, attracting some 2 million visitors a year. Many just stop in for the day. But if you have the chance, spend the night. Timberline Lodge is one of the best places in Oregon to stay with your family.
There’s a lot to do at this mountain resort, beyond just skiing (which happens year-round). Here are 10 other things to do when you visit to Timberline, in no particular order.
1. Throw a Snowball in the Summer
Yes, you can ski here year-round! Timberline offers the longest ski season in North America. While we’re not skiers, we do enjoy taking the Magic Mile Chair Lift each summer.
The lift takes guests to the 7,000 foot elevation on the mountain. We like to hop off and take in the view – you’ll see Mt. Hood (of course!) and Mt. Jefferson, too. There’s still snow on the ground, even in summer. Be sure to throw a snowball or two. Consider packing a picnic or snack and grab a spot at one of the picnic tables next to the chair lift. A ride on the Magic Mile costs $54 for a family of four.
2. Swim in the Winter
Timberline Lodge’s heated outdoor pool is open to overnight guests year-round, even in winter. There’s a hot tub, too. You can’t beat a pool with a mountain view, right? You can also warm up in the sauna.
3. Recreate a Movie Scene
The exterior of the lodge appears in the classic movie The Shining as the Overlook Hotel. The interior scenes in the movie were shot elsewhere and there’s no labyrinth on property. Still, guests often associate Timberline Lodge with The Shining.
The lodge plays along, allowing guests to briefly borrow an axe that has “Here’s Johnny” inscribed on its handle. You can use it to take a photo in the lobby. You’ll find some clever movie-related souvenirs in the gift shops, too.
4. Pet a Dog
Dogs are celebrated in the Pacific Northwest. Timberline Lodge is no exception. Dogs have been a fixture since the lodge was built. St. Bernards have lived at Timberline for decades, except for a few years when huskies were the breed of choice. The first dogs were called “Hansel and Gretel.” Today’s St. Bernards are named Heidi and Bruno. You might catch a glimpse of them napping behind the check-in counter, and pet one, if you’re lucky! You can also sign-up to go on a hike with one of the dogs.
5. Get a History Lesson
The lodge was built at the height of the Great Depression. Artists were employed by the Works Progress Administration to build the lodge. You’ll see their works preserved throughout the building. The art was created in three themes: Native American motif, pioneer, or native flora and fauna. Wood, metals and textiles are prominent throughout the lodge.
While there are historical artifacts and art all over, the lobby contains a museum showcasing Timberline’s past. You can peek inside rooms outfitted with original items, like the chair built for and used by FDR during his visit.
If you want to learn more about the art, architecture, craft and restoration, take an audio tour using your smartphone.
6. Play Ping Pong
The Barlow Room, just off the entrance of the lodge is a game room. You’ll find things like ping pong, shuffleboard, Jenga and other family-friendly activities here. This room is adorned with beautiful artwork and craftsman furniture. It’s a nice place to hang out before dinner reservations. You can check out paddles and other games at the front desk.
7. Ride Your Bike Downhill
Want to ride down an 11,000 foot mountain? At Timberline, you can. The adjacent Timberline Bike Park opened in 2019 and operates during the summer. There are various trails, ranked “easier”, “more difficult” and “most difficult”.
You can bring your own bike and safety gear, or rent it on-site. Riders can purchase single day tickets or season passes.
8. Take a Hike
Bring your hiking boots. Several trails start right outside the doors of the lodge. Timberline intersects with the famous Pacific Crest Trail aka the PCT. This trail spans 2,650 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. You’ll see signs for it around the lodge. Hikers on the PCT often stop at Timberline to shower and grab a meal. If you want to hike with the family, there are several easy trails around the lodge. There’s also a one-mile trail leading from the lodge to the Silcox Hut that’s more challenging.
9. Eat in the Dining Room
Whenever we visit Mt. Hood, we make a point of eating in the Cascade Dining Room at Timberline Lodge. While the food might feel fancy, there’s no need to dress up. You’re at a ski lodge after all. The farm-to-table style meals feature the best of the Northwest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served daily. While you can’t go wrong with a meal here, dinner is a real treat. Another bonus, kids, age 11 and under, eat free in the first hour of dinner service with the purchase of an adult entree. The lodge has several other restaurants and bars, too.
10. Sleep in a Chalet Room Fit for 15
Timberline offers “chalet rooms” which are rooms with bunk beds. The smallest chalet sleeps 2, the largest accommodates 15 people.
All chalet rooms have access to private, but shared restrooms. Except for The Mary Gautreaux room. It sleeps 15 people and has a private en-suite bathroom. Our family of four booked this room on a random August night, it was available for $225 plus tax. The room has 6 sets of bunk beds, three have doubles on the bottom. (Yes, the beds outnumbered the people!) There’s also a table and chairs in the room. We sat around the table playing board games. There’s no TV in this room so you can opt to unplug … or bring a tablet to watch a movie. WiFi is available in the lodge.
Other Places to Stay on Mt. Hood
If you’re looking for another memorable stay on Mt. Hood, consider reserving a tiny home. We’ve spent several nights at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, Oregon. It’s a lot of fun and conveniently located near Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood SkiBowl.
