The Amazing Story of the Timberline - Oregon's Historic Mountain Lodge

Mt. Hood; The Ski Lounge; History of the Timberline; Design of the Timberline; Camp Fire Girls of America; The Works Progress Administration; The Shining Movie Comparisons and Secret Details; Heidi and Bruno - The St. Bernards; The Skiway Tramline; A View-Master Mystery

Welcome to View-Master Travels! Join us on a mesmerizing journey to uncover the hidden gems of history in the stunning landscapes of Oregon. Today, we're embarking on an adventure to rediscover the magic of View-Master Reel 211 - "The Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Oregon".

Step into a time capsule as we explore the iconic Timberline Lodge, famously known as the exterior filming location of the Overlook hotel in The Shining. But there's so much more to this lodge's story than meets the eye! Our expedition takes us back to the early 50s, a time when these pictures were captured.

Mount Hood, Oregon's majestic peak, towers over us as we journey up the mountain in mid-September, avoiding the snow-capped trails. The drive itself is a breathtaking experience, showcasing nature's artistry. As we arrive at the lodge's parking lot, prepare to be amazed - the scene before us closely resembles the movie, and the adventure is just beginning!

The interior of the Timberline Lodge unfolds like a page from history, untouched by time over 70 years. The intimate ski lounge, adorned with stone, wood, and wrought iron, beckons us to explore further. A museum within its walls unravels the lodge's rich history, linking it to the early 20th-century movement of "See America First" and the construction of the lodge as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the West.

Venturing upward, the grand six-sided fireplace greets us in the main lounge, and the lodge's architectural marvels astound us. Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the renowned architect behind Yosemite's Ahwahnee lodge, left his indelible mark on Timberline, creating a unique design that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Each detail, from recycled materials to handcrafted artwork, tells a story of resilience and creativity during challenging times.

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming journey of the Timberline's restoration, from its uncertain fate during the war to the dedication of Richard Kohnstamm and his family. We encounter the lodge's beloved four-legged residents, Heidi and Bruno, whose legacy stretches back to 1937.

And speaking of connections, delve into the fascinating ties between Timberline Lodge and The Shining movie. Discover how this real-world lodge's interior differs from the fictional Overlook Hotel created on sound stages. Intriguing details, like the photographs within the hotel's office, reveal a meticulously thought-out connection between reality and cinematic illusion.

Our exploration extends to Government Camp, where we uncover the fascinating story of the Mount Hood Skiway - an innovative tramway that once graced the mountain slopes. Follow us through the pages of history as we piece together the connections between vintage photographs, railroad memorabilia, and intriguing narratives.

As we wrap up this unforgettable episode, we reflect on the beauty of the past and the present that converge within the Timberline Lodge. Join us on this immersive journey that uncovers the layers of history hidden amidst the scenic splendor of Mount Hood, Oregon. Like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Until the next adventure, stay curious and keep exploring!


Much information from “Images of America: Timberline Lodge” by Sarah Baker Munro.

Special thanks to the Oregon Historical Society for answering my questions!

Also, a great video by @peterdibble with more detail on the Skiway is here:    • The Failure of the Mt. Hood Aerial Skiway  

Sound Effects:

Fireplace: https://freesound.org/s/215658/
Footsteps: https://freesound.org/s/198962/
Crowded Restaurant: https://freesound.org/s/564489/
Dinner Party: https://freesound.org/s/325558/
Library Ambience: https://freesound.org/s/613781/
Dishes: https://freesound.org/s/426875/
Crowd Talking: https://freesound.org/s/163390/
Coffee Shop: https://freesound.org/s/628979/
Cocktail Party: https://freesound.org/s/649069/
Ski Resort Cable Car: https://freesound.org/s/419316/
Diesel Truck: https://freesound.org/s/453415/