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Timberline Lodge

Set midway up the slopes of beautiful Mt. Hood, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon. Few lodges anywhere in the world can compete with Timberline Lodge for historic importance, craftsmanship, or overall artistic detail.

Opened in 1937, with majestic Mt. Hood as a backdrop Timberline Lodge offers guests beautiful views of the scenic Cascade Range, alpine meadows, and a vast surrounding of national forests.

Built entirely by hand as a WPA project during 'Americas Great Depression" A small army of out-of-work master craftsmen and artisans eager for a job camped out on Mt. Hood to work on the immense four-story, 12,350 sq. foot project.

The result of their toil is a lasting monument not only to the craftsmanship and skill they possessed, but the undying spirit of American craftsmen.

Timberline Lodge showcases some of the finest examples of hand-craftsmanship you will find in carpentry, woodcarving, stone-masonry and ironwork. This historic national park lodge is filled with unique textiles and hand crafted furniture of the arts and crafts era.

All created at the time of Americas worst depression while camped out on Mt. Hood fighting harsh conditions and foul weather. A truly remarkable feat carried out by a group of truly remarkable craftsmen.

Unlike most high-mountain national park lodges, Timberline Lodge remains open year-round and serves primarily as one of Americas finest ski resorts. Guests will find modern updated accommodations such as televisions, and internet access that most historic national park lodges do not provide, along with a year-round heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and jacuzzi.

For me the modern conveniences are nice but not the attraction to this wonderful lodge, the impressive interior spaces are the attraction for me. Every where you look the attention to detail spent by the craftsmen who built this lodge is evident.

From the massive exposed hewn timbers that support the structure down to the smallest detail on the hand carved wood railings. This wonderful lodge is filled with uniquely handcrafted wrought-iron hearths, lamps, chandeliers, hinges, and fixtures. No stone was left untouched by craftsmen. Even the impressive fireplace has Native American symbols carved on its lower stones.

The Cascade Dining Room offers guests a warm inviting atmosphere to enjoy a fine selection of culinary bests. This grand dining room is a showcase of art deco style, handcrafted furnishings, intricate wood carvings and uniquely crafted light fixtures. A series of massive arched beams and stylized posts further accent this luxurious dining room space.

If you are looking for a lighter meal or a snack, Timberline Lodge offers guests a pair of bars or lounges to choose from. The Ram's Head offers guests a comfortable location with a fully stocked bar, wonderful views and a fine selection of sandwiches, soups and salads.

For a more secluded atmosphere seek out the Blue Ox tucked away in a nook on the main lobby level where you will find a fully stocked bar and a selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads along with gourmet pizza. The Blue Ox has a rustic woodsy look and feel befitting of its motif stained glass mural of Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue ox.

Timberline Lodge offers guests 70 rooms: in a variety of sizes and styles from luxurious fireplace rooms, to rustic chalets that sleep large families and groups. This is no cookie-cutter road side inn. Every room is different and has its own unique flair with hand crafted furnishing and works of art from a bygone era.

Chalets: are rustic but comfortable multiple bunk style rooms without televisions, that share a bathroom/shower just down the hall. Each is conveniently located on the ground level close to the pool and Jacuzzi.

Twin and Queen Rooms: have a selection of either two twin beds, one queen size bed, or one queen size bed and a twin. Rooms are comfortable with television, phone, wonderful furnishings and a privet bathroom.

Corner Rooms: are spacious comfortable rooms with a king size bed and two twin beds. Some Corner Rooms have a setting area with a sofa. Each has wonderful furnishings, a television, phone and a privet bathroom.

Fireplace Rooms: These are the cream of the crop at Timberline and are the best Timberline has to offer. Each has a king size bed, some offer extra twins. A setting area with wonderful furnishings, a television, phone and a privet bathroom. Your own privet wood burning fireplace makes these the most sought-after rooms in the Lodge.

Timberline Lodge is open year round and offers guests a wonderful Winter Holiday destination. If you want to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or try your hand at cross-country skiing. This is the lodge to visit. In the Summer you can enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, or mountain biking.

This post was written by: Franklin Manuel

Franklin Manuel is a professional blogger, web designer and front end web developer. Follow him on Twitter