Timberline Lodge Skiing

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.

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.

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