Maya Goes to Timberline Lodge

When asked if I'm doing another book or what's next, I like to say that I want to take our grandchildren to some of the great lodges and parks. You know, visit the parks and not work. So, we had just the chance with 7-year-old Maya who joined us on a trip to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, Oregon, in July 2010. As we approached Portland on Highway 84 east it looked like we would be engulfed in clouds, but as we started the assent to the 1937 WPA masterpiece that mammoth peak was bathed in late-day sunlight. The mountain seemed covered in giant swirls of frosting on a birthday cake with the top and lodge poking out of the whiteness.

"Awesome," exclaimed Maya. And, gee, it was! I never tire of coming upon these places whether it's the rim of Crater Lake, Old Faithful Geyser, El Capitan or the Grand Canyon. Yes, awesome just about covers it. With my captive audience in hand, we toured the lodge taking in every nook. Not only did Maya listen, but she took notes and did illustrations.

This visit we opted for a Fireplace Room, my first stay in one of these spacious suites. Not only was the fireplace a draw for reading in front of, but with plenty of snow outside, it made for a cozy evening. There were two queen beds, a seating area and easy access to the outdoor pool and jacuzzi just down the hall.  In addition, the bathroom had been redone as have all of  the bathrooms on the second and third floors. But new is not what this lodge is about. The original furniture (designed by Margery Hoffman Smith), and beautiful reproductions of drapes and bedspreads graced the room. (And the linens were top of the line.)
We made dinner reservations at the Cascade Dining Room, and while we could have opted for a  more casual dinner in the second floor eating area of the Ram's Head Bar, our dinner was well worth it! Our window table was the perfect place to watch the sun drop below the bank of clouds and chat about FDR, the handcrafted chairs and playing a game of finding all of the signature "Timberline arches" within eye's view. The food was delicious, service delightful and the kids' menu offered a bit more than the standard chicken nuggets and pizza slice.

Caring for this National Historic Landmark is an ongoing challenge, but this year numerous projects from painting the exterior to replacing windows are being done as part of the federal government's American Recovery Act. Summer was particularly busy, but we found little disruption during our stay at this finely operated institution.

If you go:

• Remember, this is a ski resort, so don't be shy about taking to the slopes. IF you don't ski or board, you can take the Magic Mile Sky Ride for an even better view.
• Discuss the kind of room and view you want when making your reservation. The staff is extremely accommodating. Ask if your bathroom has be renovated. The Lodge offers everything from dorm-like rooms to Fireplace Suites.
• Make your Cascade dinner reservations when you make your room reservation.
• Take a docent tour of the lodge. This is the only WPA constructed great lodge, and the history adds to its charm.
• Check out www.timberlinelodge.com for specials.
• Find Bruno, the lodge mascot. He's an adorable Saint Bernard and can be hanging out in the day lodge gift shop. It's also a handy place to purchase the stuffed variety for your grandchild.
• For more on this masterpiece, read Great Lodges of the National Parks. PBS has been re airing the television series featuring the lodge in the Pacific Northwest segment. It is very special, since the late Richard Kohnstamm, the man responsible for "saving" the lodge has a lovely segment in the program.