Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge is one of the most beloved and beautiful mountain retreats in Oregon. This National Historic Landmark is one of the only places where you can actually ski & board in-and-out of the lodge. Making memories here during an overnight stay is a total must-have experience.
While this historic spot can be pricey, we’ve got the thrifty tips you need to slay the experience on a budget. Anyone can have fun with an unlimited budget, but it feels way better to avoid a massive credit card bill. We’re sharing everything from budget room hacks to the best ways to soak up the lodge’s magic.
How to Fine Tune Your Lodging Budget
The lodge is legendary, which means standard room rates can get expensive. However, you can book a bare-bones chalet room for a much better price. These rooms include bunk beds, a table, a dresser, a sink plus many hooks to hang your many wet items.
The guests on the chalet floors share bathrooms which are clean and private but require you to leave your room. Bring your swimsuit and flip-flops for the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. There is a sauna in the basement and having your bathrobe is a pro move for trips between all of these amenities and your room.
We dolled up our chalet with our campsite twinkle lights as well as incense because wet clothes in small rooms don’t deliver a delightful smell and there’s always an opportunity to take a meditation break. If your clothes become unbearable stinky, fear not! There is a washer and dryer for guest use in the basement next to the sauna.
Your room comes with a ski locker to store your gear and there are hangers by the front desk to keep your boots warm and dry overnight. Your all-day lift ticket lasts until 8 PM so we used the room to take a lot of breaks in order to make it to night skiing under the lights – it’s a magical experience we highly encourage!
SLAY: Timberline boasts a 4,540′ vertical drop, which is the longest in the United States. Be sure to take a run from the top Palmer to Government Camp to experience this epic ride.
How to Eat Like a Pro (Without the High Price Tag)
Timberline features several bars and restaurants, including a cool mid-mountain ski-in cabin. Your room includes free coffee and a continental breakfast. Always take advantage of these freebies to save some cash.
Visit the Ram’s Head Bar for amazing views without needing a reservation. If you want to splurge slightly, the Snow Cap Dream Hot Chocolate is legendary. You can also share a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream — highly recommended, only after you’re done with your runs.
Grab a casual slice of pizza at the Blue Ox Bar on the main floor. You can also bring your own prepared food or frozen dinners to heat in the microwave that is available for use right outside of the Wy’east Cafe. Additionally we packed an electric kettle for easy in-room noodles, cocoa and coffee and a cooler to keep our perishables and sodas cold. You could also do this right outside your window on the main floor, but there is plentiful ice available in the machine next to the sauna in the basement.
SLAY: Bring your own s’mores kit and skewers to use at the outdoor fire pits. They cost $24 on site.
Activities to Slay the Day
Beyond snowsports and pool soaks, the lodge offers plenty of fun activities. These low-cost options made our trip feel truly special. You can play shuffleboard or table tennis in the game room.
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the building’s rich history. Read the plaques on the walls as you explore the halls. You can even build a snow person on the back deck.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are great alternatives to downhill riding. There is always something to do at this mountain retreat. It is truly an unforgettable Oregon landmark.
SLAY: Remember the 1980movie The Shining was filmed here; there’s an opportunity to take a photo with the iconic axe at the front desk. Get it!
Key Points to Remember
Timberline Lodge is a must-see Oregon landmark that offers an unforgettable stay. By choosing a chalet room and planning your meals, you can make this dream trip a reality.
Check the website often for last-minute cancellations to grab a room. Peruse the latest deals and special events to enhance your trip.
