Timberline Lodge Ski Resort

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Overview

Offering the longest ski season in North America, most years, Timberline’s ski season begins around early to mid-November and continues through Labor Day, with a short closure (snow permitting). Mt. Hood’s elevation tops out at 11,245 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Oregon.

Where Is Timberline Lodge Resort Located?

Timberline Lodge is located near the base of Mt. Hood, 60 miles east of Portland International Airport. Depending on traffic, it takes about an hour by car to get to the resort. There is also the Timberline Resort Shuttle, which operates on weekends and holidays. It’s free for Timberline and Fusion season pass holders and Timberline lift ticket holders who bought their tickets online.

The Mt. Hood Express shuttle runs between City of Sandy to Timberline Lodge. There’s also a bunch of shuttle services. To check all of your transportation options, use the Get There trip planning tool, which is offered for free by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The 71-room Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, is located in the middle of the chairlift system with jacuzzi and sauna. Silcox Hut sleepover cabin is available for groups up to 24, overnight RV parking available without hookups.

Restaurants

The easiest places to eat are right in the resort, and you do have a number of options to satisfy every taste bud.

Breakfast Places

  • Known for its breakfast buffet, the Cascade Dining Room at Timberline Lodge is the place to go to load up before heading to the slopes. 27500 E Timberline Hwy, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • For a pick-me-up on the way to the slopes, stop by Mt. Hood Roasters Coffee Company, a family-owned business that specializes in creating amazing coffee. You can also grab a snack or sandwich to go. 73451 US-26, Rhododendron, OR 97049

Our Favorite Lunch Spots

  • Glacier Haus Bistro serves homemade sandwiches and pizza for lunch. If you go for dinner, expect European-inspired dishes. 88817 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028

Dinner

  • Mt. Hood Brewing Co. offers the tired skier and boarder two of the best things they can get after a long day: freshly made, locally sourced food and brewskis. Try beer that can only be enjoyed in the state of Oregon to ensure freshness. 87304 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028

Apres/Nightlife

  • Ram’s Head Bar & Restaurant with its large stone chimney is the perfect place to relax for some après drinks and food. With its large selection of classic cocktails and local cheese and charcuterie, you can watch the sunset over some amazing libations and appetizers. 27500 E Timberline Rd, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • After opening, people realized that there was no bar at Timberline. So, the Blue Ox Bar was created to correct that mistake. With its homage to Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere and the microbrews, cocktails and casual food. 27500 E Timberline Hwy, Government Camp, OR 97028

Terrain

Terrain

Timberline Lodge itself sits at 6,000 feet. The bottom of Still Creek Basin is 4,850 feet, and Silcox Hut is at 7,000 feet. The top of the Palmer Lift is 8,540 feet high. Eight lift service the different areas, including five high-speed quads, and there is one passenger snowcat.

There are 1,415 skiable acres and 3,690 feet of vertical drop. The area gets a whopping 540 inches of snow each year, ensuring fresh powder throughout the season. With a total of 41 runs, the area has a lot of terrain for every ski level. Breakouts are as follows: 25% beginner (9 greens), 50% intermediate (18 blues) and 25% advanced (13 blacks). The longest run is 3.12 miles.

Inside Scoop

Timber Lodge was a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, which was a Franklin Roosevelt program to put Depression-era job seekers back to work. Completed in 1937, it attracts over 2 million skiers and boarders each year. If it’s an especially cold day, go through the Timberline snow tunnel – a bit of engineering genius – to the massive, two-story stone furnace.

As a ski-in, ski-out resort, it’s especially great for beginners since the snow is a bit more tame than other places. But there’s also a lot of advanced terrain, including the freestyle terrain park.

What sets this resort apart from the rest is that, because it’s higher, it gets more snow than most of the other ski resorts on Mount Hood. So, while the lower resorts might be getting only rain, Timber Lodge will be receiving a fresh dose of snow, equaling fresh powder throughout the season, including on its longest run (Palmer Glacier to Still Creek Basin).

This resort is perfect for visitors to the area as well as those who always want a dose of fresh powder. It has a dining room in the lodge, lounge, pool, ski shop, rental shop and gift shop. Newbies can take advantage of the snowboard and ski school. Group and private ski lessons available for all ability levels. There are also summer snow camps to get trained up before the seasons starts.

Plan Your Trip

Timberline Lodge Lodging

Best Time for Snow

Average Snowfall

109"
68"
46"
23"
3"
24"
Nov
91"
Dec
69"
Jan
76"
Feb
68"
Mar
59"
Apr
14"
May
3"
Jun

Total Lifts: 8

5
High Speed Quads
1
Triple Chairs
1
Double Chairs
1
Surface Lifts

Elevation

8540'
Summit
3690'
Vertical Drop
6000'
Base

Important Dates

November 11, 20222022/11/11
Projected Opening
August 31, 20232023/08/31
Projected Closing
305
Projected Days Open
305
Days Open Last Year
86
Years Open
550"
Average Snowfall
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