Timberline-A National Treasure

We took a drive up to Mt. Hood to take a day hike, and I was surprised to see that Timberline was in  the  middle of a 4.5 million dollar renovation from the Stimulus Program.  It's such a beautiful Lodge, and a destination for Oregonians.   It's origins were from a WPA project in the 30's, so it seemed appropriate for the government to maintain it, since it would be terrible to lose this National treasure.

There's so many beautiful points of interest at Timberline Lodge.  I captured a few to share, but it's really worth a trip up to check it out for yourself.  As you enter there's this native American carved art piece, with it's elaborate headdress

The interior evokes the style of the 30's, with it's attention to detail.  Note the inlaid wood piece above the door. 

This is a portrait of Richard Kohnstamm, the man who is credited with saving Timberline from decline is the 50"s and 60's.  He foresaw the skiing boom with brought thousands of visitors to Mt. Hood.

The gathering place of the lodge is the enormous space on the first level, where there is a restaurant, plus lots of chairs to sit near the fire, and gaze at Mt. Hood.  This especially fun to do on a snowy day.

In my wedding photography days, I was fortunate enough to have several jobs up at the lodge, and it was a beautiful background for a wedding party. I always tried to get the bride and groom outside to photograph the with the mountain in the background.

The details and craftsmanship are amazing.

A commemoration plaque as you enter.  Note the date 1936-1937.