The Mt. Hood Skiway Tram: The City Bus Tramway to Timberline Lodge
A Vision Before Its Time
In 1947, with World War II over, a new era of recreation began. Skiing had been gaining popularity before the war, and now that peace had returned, people were eager to hit the slopes once again. Mount Hood’s ski scene was entering a golden age, and a group of visionaries saw an opportunity to revolutionize access to Timberline Lodge. The Mt Hood Skiway Tram
That year, the Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with an ambitious plan—an aerial tramway connecting Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. The project was named The Skiway (pronounced “Skyway”). If successful, it would provide a convenient alternative to the old Timberline Road, making the mountain more accessible to skiers.
The Need for a Tramway
At the time, transportation to Timberline Lodge was limited. Options included:
Driving the old road (often rough and challenging)
Paying 50 cents for the Timberline bus
Hitchhiking (a common but unreliable choice)
If a skier drove, they typically carpooled with others, skied the Glade or Alpine Trails back to Government Camp, and then had to return for the car at the end of the day. The tramway offered a new solution—a skier could ride the tram up, ski all day, and then either take the tram back down or ski back to town.
An Engineering Feat
Construction began in 1948, and the project’s design was truly innovative. The plan called for a city bus to function as a tram car, suspended by cables and propelled using a pulley system. Inspired by loggers’ sky hook yarding mechanisms, the bus would be self-propelled, gripping the cable with wheels that guided it up or down the slope.
A lodge at the lower terminal in Government Camp would serve as the passenger station. It featured:
A loading platform on the upper level
A restaurant, restrooms, and waiting lounge
A gift shop
The upper terminal was located at the west end of Timberline Lodge, where passengers could quickly access the ski runs.
Challenges and Delays
By 1949, the lodge and tramway towers were completed. However, that same year, a new Timberline Road was opened, providing a shorter, smoother, and safer drive. This easier road access made the tramway seem less necessary.
The winters of 1950 and 1951 brought heavy snowfall, further delaying the project. Originally scheduled to open in early 1950, the Skiway’s first official run was postponed until January 3, 1951. Despite initial excitement, the novelty quickly wore off.
Mt Hood Skiway Tram Downfall
Several factors contributed to the Skiway’s struggles:
Competition with the new road – Driving to Timberline became easier and more convenient.
Cost concerns – The tram fare was 75 cents, while the Timberline bus only cost 50 cents.
Profitability issues – Mt Hood Skiway Tram failed to generate enough revenue to sustain operations.
Despite the enthusiasm of early skiers, the financial strain proved too much. After years of struggling, Mt Hood Skiway Tram closed in 1956.
A Forgotten Piece of Mount Hood History
Although short-lived, the Mt. Hood Skiway remains a fascinating chapter in the region’s ski history. It was a bold experiment, one that showcased the ambition of those eager to bring innovative transportation solutions to Mount Hood.
Today, few traces of the Skiway remain, but its story lives on as a reminder of a time when skiing was still finding its place in the Pacific Northwest.
Tawney’s Mountain Home: A Forgotten Retreat in Welches, Oregon
A Hidden Gem in the Salmon River Valley
In the early days, the Welches Hotel wasn’t the only resort in the Salmon River Valley at the base of Mount Hood. About a mile past the Welches property, at the end of the road, sat Tawney’s Mountain Home. Surrounded by wilderness and nestled along the Salmon River, this hotel operated as a popular outdoor vacation spot from 1910 to 1945.
From Homestead to Hotel
The hotel was originally part of the Walkley family homestead, located south of Welches. While the Walkleys didn’t run a formal hotel, they did take in boarders. In 1906, John Maulding and his wife purchased the 100-acre property, which included the Walkley home. They remodeled and expanded the house, converting it into what became known as Maulding’s Hotel.
In 1909, Francis H. Tawney and his wife, Henriett, leased the property. A year later, they purchased it and began making improvements. However, in 1913, a fire destroyed a large portion of the original hotel. Undeterred, the Tawneys built a two-story addition, and by 1914, the new Tawney’s Hotel was welcoming guests once again.
A Grand Lodge with Rustic Charm
Tawney’s Hotel was a large two-story building with 15 guest rooms. Due to its popularity, tent cabins were added on the grounds to accommodate additional visitors.
Guests entered through a spacious living area featuring a large rock fireplace. A grand staircase led to the second floor, where the guest rooms were located. Connected to the living room, a huge dining room offered another stone fireplace and a long dining table for communal meals.
The hotel had only one indoor bathroom, located off the dining room. It included a commode and a bathtub, making reservations nearly necessary for guests who wanted to use it.
A Stay at Tawney’s Mountain Home
A week’s stay at the hotel cost $10, including meals. Mrs. Tawney, with help from her daughter-in-law, Emily, prepared food for guests. Meals were served family style, with platters of chicken, roast beef, and steak. Fresh bread, jams, canned foods, and homemade pies were always available. Mrs. Tawney also made large sugar cookies for the children, though adults often raided the cookie jar as well.
Keeping the kitchen stocked was no small task. Up to 150 guests might arrive for Sunday dinner, requiring a constant supply of food. Staples and canned goods were delivered weekly from Portland, while a butcher wagon from Sandy made daily summer deliveries, bringing cuts of beef and lamb packed in ice.
Living Off the Land
The Tawneys maintained their own livestock, including cows, pigs, and chickens. Guests could ride horses, and children often enjoyed rides on the two donkeys.
Mr. Tawney frequently took guests on wagon trips to Government Camp for huckleberry picking and picnic lunches. The property also included a large garden, an apple orchard, and wild berry patches for pie-making. Guests sometimes supplied trout from the Salmon River and local creeks, adding to the hotel’s menu.
In 1910, a group of three fishermen—B. Trenkman, C.J. Cook, and L. Therleson—ventured to Camp Creek for a fishing trip. They returned 1.5 hours later with 286 trout, making it one of the most legendary meals ever served at Tawney’s Mountain Home.
A Place for Summer Memories
Longtime Welches resident Nell Howe recalled that summer days at Tawney’s were filled with wonderful food and laughter. She said, “In the summertime, the tables in the dining room were full for every meal, and sometimes people were waiting their turn.”
Many guests fondly remembered their time at the lodge—swimming in the river, fishing, helping with chores, and enjoying the delicious home-cooked meals.
The End of an Era
By 1945, Tawney’s Mountain Home closed its doors, likely due to declining business and wartime shortages. The Tawneys, now older, stepped away from the demanding work of running the hotel.
Mr. Tawney passed away in 1947, and soon after, Mrs. Tawney moved to Portland to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She remained there until her passing in 1959.
A Fading Legacy
In the late 1950s, the abandoned lodge collapsed under the weight of a heavy snowstorm. A new owner later purchased the land and demolished the remains, leaving only the two original stone fireplaces standing.
Today, these fireplaces serve as the last visible reminders of Tawney’s Mountain Home—a once-thriving piece of Welches, Oregon’s history
Oregon pioneer history (1806–1890) is the period in the history of Oregon Country and Oregon Territory, in the present day state of Oregon and Northwestern
George Pinner: Master Stonemason of the Mount Hood Corridor
Crafting the Iconic Stone Fireplaces
George Pinner was a master stonemason who shaped the Mount Hood corridor’s architectural landscape during the 1920s and 1930s. His distinctive stone fireplaces became a signature feature in many cabins and homes in the region.
Unlike most stonemasons, Pinner did not use round river stones. Instead, he split and shaped each stone carefully, ensuring a perfect fit. His fireplaces featured arched facings with a keystone in the center, adding both strength and beauty. Additionally, he used convex mortar coving, a technique that gave his fireplaces a smooth, finished look.
Many of his designs were used in Steiner cabins, built by Henry Steiner and his family. The Steiners constructed around 100 log cabins in the Mount Hood area between 1925 and 1952. Pinner’s work contributed to the charm and durability of these historic structures.
Contributions Beyond Mount Hood
Pinner’s skill was not limited to Oregon’s wilderness. He also worked on high-profile projects, including carving the stone curbing for the White House in Washington, D.C.. This prestigious work demonstrated his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A Lasting Legacy in Faubion, Oregon
Pinner lived in Faubion, Oregon, a small settlement between Zigzag and Rhododendron. He built his own home entirely from stone, showcasing his lifelong dedication to masonry. Today, his house still stands on Faubion Loop Road, serving as a testament to his expertise and artistry.
Even after many decades, George Pinner’s work endures. His fireplaces, stone structures, and historic contributions remain an integral part of Oregon’s architectural history.
Apr 24, 2015 … Signature aspects of most Steiner Cabins include a “wagon wheel” or “sunburst”
gable, a basalt rock fireplace, arc-shaped front door made of a …
Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In: A Lost Piece of Kelso, Oregon’s History
A Once-Popular Stop on the Mount Hood Highway
During the time when Orient Drive served as the main highway to Mount Hood, Clarence “Wimpy” Eri operated Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In in Kelso, Oregon. The small drive-in, located across from the Kelso Store, became a popular stop for travelers heading to the mountain. Locals also frequented the spot, enjoying a quick meal and friendly service.
For years, the old highway route directed steady traffic through Kelso, keeping businesses like Wimpy’s thriving. The drive-in benefited from visitors who wanted a convenient place to grab food before continuing their journey. However, the construction of modern Highway 26 in the mid-1960s redirected traffic away from the town. With fewer customers, many small businesses, including Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In, struggled to survive and eventually closed.
A Personal Connection to Wimpy’s Lil Toot
Kelso, Oregon, sits just west of Sandy, between Sandy and Boring. While many remember Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In as a favorite roadside stop, others have a more personal connection to it.
One local recalls eating there many times as a young boy, as Clarence “Wimpy” Eri was a relative. The drive-in stood at the west side intersection of Kelso Road and Orient Drive, directly across from the Kelso Store. Families and travelers enjoyed the convenience of a small-town diner along what was once the primary route to Mount Hood.
A Lost Landmark of the Past
Although Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In no longer stands, its memory remains part of Kelso’s history. The intersection of Kelso Road and Orient Drive, where it once stood, still echoes the past, reminding us of a time when small roadside diners thrived along the highway to Mount Hood.
This small, family-run business was one of many that once lined the old highway, catering to travelers who needed a break before heading further up the mountain. Today, while the landscape has changed, memories of places like Wimpy’s Lil Toot Drive-In live on through stories and those who remember stopping there for a meal.
History has a way of coming full circle. Even postcards sent over 100 years ago from the other side of the world can find their way home. As a collector of old photos and historic photo postcards, I am always drawn to items that hold historical significance, especially those connected to the communities surrounding Mount Hood. This is a story of Adolph Aschoff’s Letters Home
During one of my searches, I came across a fascinating discovery—a postcard from Marmot, Oregon, written by Adolph Aschoff and addressed to his nephew in Germany. It was being sold by a dealer overseas, and I immediately knew I had to have it.
A Hidden Collection Unearthed
After purchasing the postcard, I asked the seller if he had more. At first, he had only found one in a shop in town. However, he offered to return and check for additional cards. To my surprise, he located and sold me six postcards in total, all written by Adolf Aschoff in meticulous longhand German script. The handwriting was so small and precise that reading it practically required a magnifying glass.
Since I do not speak or read German, I reached out to friends for help. Fortunately, my friend Bill White suggested that his German friend, who lives in Germany, might be able to translate them. Without hesitation, I scanned the messages and emailed them to Bill, who then forwarded them to his contact.
The Translations and a Deeper Story
Several weeks later, Bill sent me six translated documents. Each contained the original German text along with its English translation. As I read through them, I felt both excited and deeply grateful to finally understand Adolf’s words.
Originally from Celle, Germany, Adolph Aschoff settled in Marmot, Oregon, in 1883. There, he built Mount Hood’s first resort, Aschoff’s Mountain Home. Known for his cheerful and enthusiastic personality, he welcomed guests with warmth and hospitality, ensuring they had an unforgettable experience.
However, these personal letters reveal a more intimate and emotional side of Adolf. Life was not always easy. His writings express worry, stress, and heartbreak, shedding new light on the struggles and hardships he faced. Despite his outward joy, these messages offer a glimpse into his challenges and personal battles.
These postcards are more than just old letters. They provide a rare window into history, allowing us to better understand the life, emotions, and experiences of one of Mount Hood’s most iconic early settlers. Adolph Aschoff’s Letters Home.
For more information about Adolf and the town of Marmot you can read about it at this link. CLICK HERE
Below are the photos and their messages.
The Letters To Home
Marmot, Oregon, July 16, 1908
My dear Otto!
It always goes on in business, from early in the morning to late in the evening. A lot of annoyance and little joy is my experience. Again I just lost a beautiful horse, my wife thought a lot about the (poor) animal. She called it hers. We have a lot of rain and it is quite cold and then we have very deep paths again – everything seems to go wrong, even in nature.
On the other side (of the postcard) you can see our house. No. 1 is my wife, No. 2 is a maid. I keep my two year old German stallion.
Best regards. Your old (friend) Adolf Aschoff
Marmot, Ore. March 22, 1910 6 am
Dear Otto!
We are desperately awaiting a sign of life of you from the old homeland with every incoming mail – and from day to day – week to week etc. I am trying to find the time and opportunity to write to you. I have not been well for quite some time now – I suffer headaches – melancholy etc. I wish I could sell us – had a great offer but my wife wasn´t please. If I don´t try to visit Germany soon – I will probably never see it again. Both of our sons, Ernst and Henry, are now fathers of two strong boys. – We had an awful time with our three daughters in the last year – all three of them had major operations in the hospital, and now our Emma is back at the hospital and is being operated again.
On the other side (front side) you see Gustav, our youngest son on a foal, as he was riding it for the first time, he is 15 years old.
Please, write to me very soon. Have a happy Easter wishes you your uncle Adolf Aschoff
Marmot, Ore. July 19, 1910
Dear Otto,
Your endearing letter has been received. Your letter has doubled the desire to see you and the beloved old homeland – I know I would be welcome at your home and if you knew me better, you would know that a westerner does not cause any inconvenience – We have loads of trouble, loads of work – with the hay harvest and everything adds together – The salary for the workers is very high – chef (lady) $70.00 per M, house maid $20-25.00, day laborers $2.50 – $4-5 per day. I don´t know how this is going to end. All workers only want to work 8 hours – but we are usually working 18 hours a day – will write as soon as I have a few minutes to myself
Best wishes from all of us, Your uncle Adolf Aschoff
Marmot, Ore. February 25, 1911
My dearest Otto,
I hope you have received the newspaper “The Oregonian”, I am sending you the same one, so you can get an idea of the growth of the American cities. As we arrived in Oregon, Portland was about the size of Celle – now Portland has more than 230,000 citizens. We are well, except for Otto, who has been in the hospital for months. Best wishes to you and your dear family.
Your uncle Adolf Aschoff.
PS: I will try to write you a letter soon.
Marmot, Ore. 6/13/1912
My dear Otto,
I haven´t heard anything from you for quite some time now, I try to receive a sign of life, “an answer” to this postcard. I am sending you a newspaper with this letter and I send more if you are interested.
Various accidents have again happened to our family. Our daughter Marie is very sick – our son Ernst has fallen of a …?…. post and our son Otto has chopped himself in the leg. Due to the incautiousness of a stranger I have been thrown of my carriage and I suffer pain in my right arm and shoulder. More work than ever, I wish we could sell us, it is getting to much for my wife and me – from 5 am to 11 pm day to day we slave away (like ox) without a break. Dear Otto, I hope you and your loved ones are well and at good health.
The most sincere wishes from all of us to you and your dear family.
Your uncle Adolf Aschoff
Marmot, Ore. January 30, 1913 – To: Mrs. Adele Aschoff
My dear friends,
Marmot shows a different picture these days than on the other side of this card. The snow has started to melt, but it will take a long time until the last traces will be gone.
Our dear daughter Marie is still very sick, it is better on some days and then she suffers bad seizures.
Best wishes,
Your Adolf Aschoff
Marmot, Ore. Nov. 19. 1916
My dear Adele, (Mrs. Adele Aschoff)
Thank you very much for your wishes – I am very happy that our dear Otto is still healthy and I hope that he soon will be back with his loved ones well and brisk. Please send him my best regards. I haven´t received anything from Eugen in the last months – newspapers etc. No news have arrived since February from you as well as Eugen. My son Karl has broken his arm when he started (? “up-winded”) an automobile – my wife is very sick again. Please write back to me even if it´s only a few lines.
Adolph Aschoff (May 21, 1849–1930) was a homesteader in the U.S. state of
Oregon in the late 19th century. He established the community of Marmot,
Oregon …
Perched at 4,000 feet in elevation on the south face of Mount Hood, Government Camp, Oregon, has long been known as a ski town. Long before ski resorts arrived, adventurers made their way to Mount Hood in the winter for snowshoeing and skiing and in the summer for hiking and exploring.
Today, Government Camp is home to the iconic Timberline Lodge, a national historic monument. Built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Timberline Lodge remains one of Oregon’s most treasured landmarks.
However, the history of Government Camp stretches back nearly two centuries. Long before it became a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it played a role in westward expansion and the early days of the Oregon Trail.
How Government Camp Got Its Name
In May 1845, the United States government allocated $75,500,000 to establish military posts along the Oregon Trail. However, when the Mexican-American War broke out, those plans changed. Instead of focusing on Oregon, much of the effort shifted to support the war.
A few years later, in 1849, Lieutenant William Frost led a massive wagon train from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Dalles, Oregon. The scale of this expedition was immense:
429 wagons
1,716 mules
250 tons of freight
While part of the group traveled by boat to Vancouver, the remaining wagons were sent over the Barlow Road toward Oregon City. Unfortunately, this decision had dire consequences.
The mules were exhausted, and overloaded wagons struggled on the rugged terrain. As winter approached, conditions worsened. By the time the wagon train descended Laurel Hill, 45 wagons had been abandoned due to starvation and exhaustion.
For years, this area became known as “the government camp on Still Creek.” Over time, the name stuck, and it was eventually shortened to simply Government Camp.
The Early Settlement of Government Camp
Although Government Camp had earned its name, it didn’t develop into a town right away. It wasn’t until the arrival of O.C. Yocum, Francis C. Little, and William G. Steel that settlement began.
O.C. Yocum’s Vision
O.C. Yocum filed a homestead claim and platted his land into blocks. He named the north-south streets numerically (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). For the east-west streets, he used the letters of his own name:
Yule
Olive
Church
Union
Montgomery
Originally, Yocum named his town Pompeii. When he applied for a post office under the name Government Camp, the government rejected it, stating that a two-word name was unacceptable. As a result, he changed the post office name to Pompeii.
However, locals never stopped calling it Government Camp, and over time, the name became official.
Hotels and Businesses in Early Government Camp
As travelers increased, hotels and businesses emerged to accommodate them. Several of these establishments played a key role in shaping Government Camp’s reputation as a mountain resort destination.
Notable Hotels and Businesses in Government Camp
1899 – O.C. Yocum built the Mountain View House hotel.
1910 – Lige Coalman purchased the hotel and, in 1911, built the Government Camp Hotel.
1933 – Both hotels burned down.
1924 – Everett Sickler and Albert Krieg built the Battle Axe Inn, a popular gathering place. It burned down on November 7, 1950.
1932 – Charlie Hill built and ran Hill’s Place, located across from the Battle Axe Inn. It operated for decades before burning down in 1969.
The Rafferty Family built a hotel next to the Battle Axe Inn. It changed hands and names several times, known as the Tyrolean Lodge and later the Mountain View before it burned down in 1954.
George Calverly built a café at the east end of town, which his wife managed.
As the 20th century progressed, Government Camp became synonymous with outdoor recreation, particularly with the rise of skiing on Mount Hood.
Government Camp Today: A Legacy of Adventure
Today, Government Camp remains the gateway to Mount Hood’s winter and summer sports. It is home to Timberline Lodge, and the town continues to attract skiers, snowboarders, and hikers year-round.
Though many of its original buildings have disappeared, the spirit of Government Camp lives on. From its Oregon Trail roots to its role in shaping outdoor adventure culture, Government Camp remains one of Oregon’s most historic and beloved mountain towns.
Discover More Mount Hood History
If you love learning about Oregon’s past, check out more stories at MountHoodHistory.com.
Have memories or stories about Government Camp? Share them in the comments below!
Marmot, Oregon, is a place more than it is a town. It is located along the last stretch of the Oregon Trail, the old plank-covered Barlow Road. Between 1883 and 1930, it was a destination for many people who came to experience the great outdoors and to launch their adventures on Mount Hood.
Located in the forested foothills on the west side of Mount Hood, about six miles east of the town of Sandy, Marmot is situated on a ridge with the Sandy River to the south and the Little Sandy River and Bull Run to the north. It was a wilderness when Marmot was established.
Dora and Adolf Aschoff Marmot Oregon
The Man Behind Marmot: Adolf Aschoff
The story of Marmot is less about a town or a place than it is about a man. Marmot’s pioneer and developer of the town’s commercial ventures, such as its store, hotel, stables, and museum, was Johann Adolf (Adolph) Aschoff. There were no other businesses there.
Aschoff was even Marmot’s postmaster when the post office was established in 1890, where he kept meticulous records in perfect penmanship. A German immigrant, he cemented his name into the fabric and history of Mount Hood and the south side towns between Sandy and Government Camp and, indeed, the whole Mount Hood National Forest.
Adolf Aschoff Marmot Oregon
From Germany to America
Adolf Aschoff was born in Celle, Hanover, Germany, on May 21, 1849. He was the son of a shoe manufacturer who was said to have descended from Russian royalty. Although he was educated for the clergy, his love for the outdoors led him down a different path.
His father wanted his children to be educated and cultured and not have to work in the factories as he had. Adolf’s education covered language, history, theology, art, music, and physical sciences. At sixteen, he worked with the Royal Forester—an experience that would serve him well throughout his life. He was also a talented musician, artist, storyteller, and one of Mount Hood’s earliest photographers.
Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Escape from Germany: Political Exile
In 1866, at the age of 17, Adolf organized a club of enthusiastic young men called the “Maybugs.” Their activities varied from studying to fun-making and, perhaps, a little political activism. However, they soon found themselves in trouble with Prussian officers during the Austro-Prussian War.
Although Hanover tried to remain neutral, in June of 1866, Germany mobilized troops against Prussia, leading to Hanover’s dissolution and annexation by Prussia. That summer, 17,000 Prussian soldiers crossed the Hanover boundary. Adolf and his Maybugs taunted the invading soldiers and plastered anti-Prussian posters around town, making him unpopular with the Prussians.
One night, after an altercation where several Prussian officers were knocked down, Adolf was forced to flee. He later claimed that he escaped to a lake, where he stayed submerged—except for his face—for an entire day. Eventually, he found refuge with a female benefactor, rumored to be Princess Fredericka, who helped him escape. He made his way to Austria, then to France, and later to England, where a forged passport allowed him passage to America as a political exile.
Bachelor Cabin – Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Life in America: Kansas and the Journey West
Adolf arrived in New York in November 1869 aboard the steamer Nebraska. He first worked as a woodcarver and engraver, but New York was too crowded for him. He moved to New Jersey, then Illinois, and finally to Kansas in 1871, where he and his brother Ernest homesteaded.
In 1872, Adolf married Dorotea “Dora” Gein in Rush County, Kansas. Dora was born in Germany on November 21, 1853, and had immigrated to America with her parents when she was 14. They started a farm in Kansas, where their first four children were born.
Adolf loved telling stories about his time in Kansas. He claimed to have met Calamity Jane and was hired by Buffalo Bill Cody to hunt buffalo for the railroads.
While in Kansas, he watched wagon trains pass by on their way to Oregon. In 1882, he and Dora decided to follow them. They left their homestead and moved to Portland, Oregon, where they lived near Mt. Tabor and sold vegetables.
Adolf was described as looking like a nobleman, with a trim goatee, elegant manners, and a strong German accent. His talent for storytelling and artistic and musical abilities made it easy for him to gather influential friends in the city. These connections later helped him develop his resort in Marmot.
Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Prize Horse at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Founding Marmot, Oregon
In the spring of 1883, Adolf and Dora moved to Marmot, purchasing 240 acres along the last section of the Oregon Trail for $900.
Adolf never intended to run a resort, but his Portland friends encouraged him to. He built guest cabins, entertaining boarders for 50 cents per day or $3 per week. Business grew quickly. By 1902, Aschoff’s Mountain Home had expanded to 23 rooms, featuring wraparound balconies, a dining hall for 100 guests, and comfortable lodging.
Prize horse at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
A Horse and Child at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
The Naming of Marmot
In 1890, Adolf established the post office and named the area “Marmot.” Interestingly, he later discovered that the burrows he thought were made by marmots actually belonged to mountain beavers, but the name remained.
The Barlow Road, Marmot Oregon
The Barlow Road, Marmot Oregon
A Guide and Forest Supervisor
On May 19, 1897, Adolf was appointed the first Forest Ranger for the Cascade Range Forest Reserve (which later became the Mount Hood National Forest). He blazed the Skyline Trail between Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson. However, bureaucratic conflicts led him to resign in 1906.
Livestock at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
The Barlow Road at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Tragedy and Decline
In 1914, tragedy struck. Adolf and Dora’s youngest son, Gustav, drowned in the Sandy River. Just weeks later, their oldest daughter, Mary, died after a long illness.
Four years later, Dora also passed away. With Dora gone, the children growing older, and the new Mount Hood Loop Highway bypassing Marmot, the resort began to decline. Adolf remained there until 1929, when he sold everything to Percy Shelley.
Adolf was heartbroken, saying, “I cannot tell you how I feel giving up my place. My nine children grew up here, and I have gone through all kinds of hardships, but only God and I know how much I have loved it here.”
On May 16, 1930, Adolf Aschoff passed away in Portland.
Mazama’s at Marmot Oregon
Mazama’s at Marmot Oregon
The End of an Era
On July 4, 1931, Aschoff’s Mountain Home burned to the ground. The Shelley family lost everything. The remaining buildings quickly fell into disrepair.
Today, little remains of Marmot, yet those who pass through can still imagine what it must have been like at its peak, and why Adolf Aschoff loved it so deeply.
Source Information: Photos from the Gary Randall collection Information Bill White, Brightwood, Oregon Sandy Pioneers, Early Settlers and Barlow Road Days – Sandy Historical Society Jack Grauer – The Illustrated History of Mount Hood Various newspaper articles from the period
Discover More Mount Hood History
If you love learning about Oregon’s past, check out more stories at MountHoodHistory.com.
Do you have memories or stories about Adolf Aschoff or Marmot Oregon? Share them in the comments below!
Juicy and children at Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Adolf Aschoff Marmot, Oregon
Adolf Aschoff Marmot, Oregon
Fishing on the Sandy River Aschoff’s Mountain Home
Marmot is an unincorporated community in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States located in the Mount Hood Corridor. It is within the boundaries of the
of Oregon in the late 19th century. He established the community of Marmot, Oregon in the western foothills of Mount Hood in the late 19th century. Most
Samuel “Uncle Sam” Welch: A Pioneer of Welches, Oregon
Journey to the West
Samuel Welch left Virginia in 1842 at the age of 19, embarking on the arduous journey west along the Oregon Trail. He traveled down the Columbia River, portaging around Celilo Falls, before settling briefly in Brush Prairie, Washington. However, the lure of fertile land drew him south to Oregon, where he eventually claimed land near Orient, east of Gresham. It was here that he began to establish his roots in the Pacific Northwest.
Building a Home and Family
On February 20, 1865, Samuel married Francis Culbertson, and their son William “Billy” Welch was born on December 24, 1866. The father and son would go on to shape the history of the region. In 1882, Samuel and Billy each took 160-acre land claims in the Salmon River Valley, a pristine expanse near Mount Hood. Over time, their holdings grew to encompass nearly 1,000 acres.
The Welch’s Ranch, Welches Oregon
Establishing the First Resort
Samuel farmed his land, raising livestock and cultivating orchards, but his greatest contribution came in 1893 when he and Billy started the first resort in the area and established the town of Welches. Initially a simple campground, it provided a welcome respite for travelers, hunters, and vacationers eager to explore the scenic beauty of the region. Their venture marked the beginning of the hospitality industry in the Mount Hood area, long before ski resorts and luxury lodges became the norm.
Early Settlers of the Region
Samuel Welch was not alone in his pioneering efforts. Just four miles downstream on the Salmon River, J.T. McIntyre established a homestead in what was then called Salmon, Oregon—later known as Brightwood. In 1891, McIntyre built a hotel, catering to travelers much like the Welches’ campground. These early settlers helped lay the foundation for the communities that still thrive along the Mount Hood corridor today.
Samuel Welch’s Lasting Legacy
Samuel Welch passed away in 1898, but his son Billy carried on his legacy. Billy continued to operate the resort and, in 1905, became the first postmaster of Welches, overseeing the town’s post office until 1940. Under his stewardship, Welches grew into a bustling summer retreat, known for its dances, community gatherings, and outdoor recreation.
The Evolution of Welches
The land that Samuel and Billy Welch once called home would eventually evolve into the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, a well-known destination that continues to attract visitors seeking the tranquility of Mount Hood’s forests and rivers. Though the early log cabins and campgrounds have long since disappeared, the spirit of Uncle Sam Welch remains embedded in the town that bears his name.
Samuel Welch Enduring Pioneer Spirit
From a young man braving the Oregon Trail to a respected pioneer who helped shape a community, Samuel Welch’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep connection to the land. His name endures, a testament to the pioneering spirit that continues to define the Mount Hood region today.
after SamuelWelch, a homesteader from Virginia who settled near Welches Creek in 1882 with his son, William, after the death of Samuel’s wife. Samuel Welch
A Historic Photo of Welches Oregon Pioneer Homesteaders
This rare historic photo captures several Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders, some of the first settlers in the Mount Hood region. Likely one of the earliest known images from the Welches area, it documents the people who helped shape the future of this mountain community.
Pictured in the front row are Billy Welch and Firmer Walkley. Standing behind them are August Hornecker, Sam Welch, John Copper, and Ira Welch. The photograph was taken at the Walkley homestead, located near the junction of Welches Road and Bridge Street.
Tawney’s Mountain Home: A Legacy of Hospitality
The Walkley property later became the site of Tawney’s Mountain Home, a rustic mountain retreat built in 1909. For forty years, it welcomed guests from across the region seeking rest and recreation in the shadow of Mount Hood. Tawney’s closed in 1949, and the structure was demolished around 1955 after falling into disrepair.
The Welch Family and the Foundation of Welches
Among the Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders, Billy Welch and his father Samuel “Sam” Welch were central to the area’s development. Arriving in the 1880s, they each filed land claims and eventually amassed over 1,000 acres. In 1893, Sam and Billy opened one of the area’s first resorts—a campground that became the heart of early tourism on Mount Hood.
Their efforts helped establish Welches as a name synonymous with hospitality and adventure, paving the way for the future growth of the community.
The Pioneer Spirit Lives On
The early Welches Oregon pioneer homesteaders—including the Welches, Walkleys, Horneckers, and Coppers—were more than settlers. They were builders of a legacy that still defines the character of the Welches area today. Their names and stories live on in local landmarks, oral histories, and photographs like this one.
This image is more than just a snapshot—it’s a window into the foundational history of Welches, Oregon.
