Historic Timberline Lodge Offers Year-Round Appeal in Oregon — Sport Oregon Voices

Here in Oregon, we are spoiled when it comes to outdoor recreation. Considering the incredible diversity in geography, climate, and the sheer scope of natural wonders native to our state, there’s a little something for just about any outdoor enthusiast.

Perhaps there’s no better example of those varied outdoor interests in our state than Timberline Lodge. Located about an hour-and-a-half east of Portland on the south side of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge has been a mainstay for outdoor enthusiasts and entertainment-seekers for more than 80 years. Dedicated in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and officially opened to overnight guests in 1938, construction of the lodge was largely funded by the Great Depression’s New Deal. The New Deal included several social and economic programs – such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – developed to stimulate economic recovery and provide much-needed employment. 

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline, today, remains one of Oregon’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting more than two million visitors each year. But its popularity isn’t strictly limited to the winter months, as Timberline Lodge serves as a year-round hub for activities of all sorts, including year-round skiing.

“People generally don’t realize we have more visitation in the summer than winter,” said John Burton, director of marketing and public affairs for Timberline Lodge. “We have the longest ski season in North America. A lot of ski resorts kind of get that break late spring to early fall, but at Timberline it’s 12 months a year, pedal to the metal.”

As the only ski resort in North America open year-round, Timberline has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing board for Olympic skiing and snowboarding. The year-round nature of Timberline gives the U.S. athletes a decided edge, as the extended ski season at the higher elevation of the Palmer snowfield offers the national team skiers and snowboarders a distinct, elite-level training advantage during the summer months. Burton says the team is typically at Timberline for a good portion of the summer, with the mountain appealing to all sorts of national team disciplines, from alpine racing to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Timberline also features an Olympic-spec superpipe in the summer, the only place in the world one can find that during the summer months, according to Burton.

“We love supporting U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” Burton said. “Timberline feels a little like the home team, and there’s a great vibe around the lodge when they are here each summer.

“And you never know who you’re going to run into here.”

During the winter months, Timberline operates up to eight chairlifts that span across 1,600 acres of snow-covered slopes. Historically, the winter season begins early-to-mid November and continues through the end of May. With the addition of Summit Pass in 2021, Timberline now features the most inbounds vertical in the United States, with 4,540 feet.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Burton says the resort has wide appeal to many other outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain bikers and hikers. Outside of the many traditional outdoor activities, though, Burton says the majority of its annual visitors come for the overall experience, with groups and special occasions also making up a sizeable segment of the resort’s annual visitors. Burton says the resort typically hosts 160-170 weddings each year, and he says many visitors simply come for relaxing overnight stays in the lodge, soaking up all the natural beauty of the area and taking advantage of the world-class culinary options available. Burton indicates that the lodge sees a lot of through-travelers, who may “take a tour, grab some lunch and stay a night or two.”

The lodge, itself, features 70 guest rooms and several restaurants, offering everything from street tacos to fine-dining experiences. Timberline also features an award-wining wine program and a microbrewery. For an even more adventurous experience, visitors can opt for a special-occasion stay at Silcox Hut, billed as “the ultimate bed & breakfast.” Silcox Hut is located one mile above the main lodge at 7,000 feet and offers year-round overnight stays and private adventure dining experiences in what was formerly a terminal for the resort’s first chairlift. It’s now a unique overnight experience at the foot of the Palmer snowfield that sleeps up 24 guests.

With so many things to do and see at Timberline Lodge, it’s easy to see why Timberline Lodge remains a top destination for locals and tourists, all year long.

For More Information
The Timberline Lodge website includes everything you need to know when planning your next visit.