The Rise, Fall, and Revival of the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek: A Highway 26 Landmark
For decades, travelers along U.S. Highway 26 in Oregon have been greeted by a unique roadside landmark: the towering Ivy Bear at Alder Creek. Covered in thick vines and steeped in local lore, this massive figure has become a beloved symbol of the Mount Hood area. Built as a tribute to a pet bear, it eventually collapsed, but thanks to a dedicated community, it rose again.
The Man Behind the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek
The story of the Ivy Bear begins with Gerald Wear, a deaf craftsman, dog trainer, and builder who lived in Alder Creek. Wear was widely known for his ingenuity and deep love for animals. Alongside training German Shepherds, he also cared for a bear that lived in a roadside cage. As travelers passed along the two-lane highway, many stopped to watch the bear, which quickly became an unofficial mascot.
Eventually, the bear passed away. According to local accounts, it died after consuming too many candy bars, soda pop, and bottle caps handed out by curious onlookers. Heartbroken, Wear felt compelled to honor the animal. He decided to create a much larger tribute: a towering ivy-covered bear that would stand beside the road for all to see.
Building the Largest Ivy Structure in the World
In 1947, Wear began construction on what would become the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek. He built a wooden frame, wrapped it in chicken wire, and carefully planted ivy around the structure. Over the course of more than a year, the vines filled in, eventually covering the entire bear.
At the time, the figure was believed to be the largest ivy-covered structure in the world. Motorists quickly became accustomed to the sight of the massive bear keeping watch near the highway. To make the figure even more lifelike, Wear added a rear door and scaffolding inside that led up to the bear’s head. At night, he would climb inside and light its eyes with candles. Later, he upgraded them with old Volkswagen taillights.
A Growing Landmark Along Highway 26
Over time, the Ivy Bear at Alder Creek became even more popular. In fact, it eventually became better known than the businesses located on the property. Mount Hood skiers adopted a tradition of saluting the bear for good luck, and children often lifted their feet as they passed by.
Meanwhile, Wear continued working on creative projects in Alder Creek. In addition to the bear, he built homes and decorative water wheels. Although Wear passed away in 1972, his most famous creation remained standing—a lasting testament to his creativity and love for the area.
The Fall of the Ivy Bear in June 1984
After nearly 40 years of standing tall, the Ivy Bear collapsed on June 18, 1984. A gentle breeze that evening was all it took to bring down the aging wooden structure. The bear toppled forward and landed on its tin snout.
Upon closer inspection, the cause became clear: the wooden beams at the base had rotted through. Without a strong foundation, the structure simply gave way. Although exterior damage was minimal, the bear could no longer stand upright.
The loss resonated with the community. Travelers slowed down, searching for the familiar landmark. Even the Portland Chamber of Commerce reached out to the property’s owners, eager to help restore the iconic roadside figure.
A Community Comes Together
Recognizing the Ivy Bear’s cultural value, local residents and organizations launched a campaign to bring it back. In 1987, Ron Rhoades, owner of the Ivy Bear Restaurant, partnered with Michael P. Jones of the Cascade Geographic Society and the Friends of the Ivy Bear to start a fundraiser.
By 1990, their efforts paid off. The community raised enough money to rebuild the Ivy Bear—this time using a steel frame designed to withstand time and weather. Thanks to their perseverance, the Ivy Bear stood once again.
The Ivy Bear Returns to Alder Creek
The bear’s revival brought renewed energy to the Mount Hood area. Locals and travelers alike celebrated the return of the iconic figure. Once more, the Ivy Bear stood proudly along Highway 26, welcoming visitors and honoring its unique history.
Today, the Ivy Bear remains a bit overgrown but continues to charm passersby. It stands not only as a tribute to Gerald Wear’s craftsmanship and compassion but also as a symbol of community pride. Next time you drive through Alder Creek, don’t forget to salute the bear—just like generations before you.
That is really cool. Had heard about this bear…
I’ll be posting more about Alder Creek’s history soon. Thank you Mark.
Hello. I am Corrie Beach. My family and I lived across the street from the Ivy Bear in the last 60s and early 70s. If you look across the hwy you will see a road that I walked every morning and afternoon aft er the school bus would me up or would drop me off. during the early 70 the Mt hood hwy had been redone and it is now what you drive on now. It only hade 2 lanes. it has 2 lanes east and west. I am the daughter of the late Douglas Beach. He had a TV repair shop in Sandy and also at Wemme, Oregon. I grew up with my childhood friends The Bowmans. The golf course used to be the Bowmans Golf Course.
Hello Corrie. Thank you so very much for sharing. If you have any more remembrances or even some photos that you like to share, we’d love to see and hear them. Thank you.
I remember your family corrie beach im Mike Bogart we lived on alder dr. On your side of hwy they had live beers where the log cabin is at one time pizza restaurant was a gift shop wood carver next door was the Forest Inn i still have family there..
My parents ran the old Alder Creek Restaurant in the 60’s
I remember the name Bogart. I also remember the Forest Inn. I remember the Durrs. Della and Trudee Bigelow. The Hamils, which later on became my step brothers and step sister. Im still in touch with the Bowman girls. (Women now)! Facebook has all connected!
When I saw that the electricity had been shut down from Alder Creek all the way to government camp, I got worried for everyone there. Im glad that they did that so that the mt hood forest doesnt get burned down. Awful to think about. Be safe out there.
I live in Texas and think of my child hood often. Growing up on Mt hood was a blessing. Wish I could do it all over again. My father Doug Beach passed away 10 years ago.
Vicki Hamil passed away Dec 2019. My mother Faye is still alive. My dads brother Gerry Beach who lived in welches is still alive in Ferndale Washington.
Happy Trails.
Tight LInes
Corrie Beach
My name is Robin Gestring. My parents bought a cabin in Rhodohdendron in 1969, which we still own. We went to dinner at the Ivy Bear as a real treat, and always waved to the Ivy Bear going up and down the mountain as kids. So many great memories of our iconic mountain structures, restaurants and businesses.
Salute the Bear!
My parents were regulars at the Alder Creek Inn in the 70’s. Let me know if you want to talk to my dad.
My parents Jess and Lee Revel ran the Alder Creek Restaurant in the 1960’s
Do you have any stories or photos from then that you’d be willing to share Rita?
Was there a bear pit with a live bear in when your parents ran it?
So neat! I’ll check with my parents to see if they have any photos as well – I remember quite a few pictures around and I think my mom still has them. (They owned the restaurant in the early 70’s, Hans and Ulla D’Alessio.)
I would appreciate that a lot. I’m always looking for more photos of the Ivy Bear. 🙂
Hello all
I’m Eddie and I am a host/cook at Ivy Bear Pizzeria..we are going to celebrating our 10 year anniversary in November and would love to have some of the people that remember the Ivy Bear from years ago stop by to share their memories with a whole new generation of folks who love this place as much as you do..please contact me…. 209 409 0459
When is it Eddie. ?
When I was a lil kid, in the 50’s sometime, there was a REAL Bear in a cage in front of the tavern…..The loggers who frequented the bar used to give the bear cans of beer….He probably stayed drunk all the time….
Hi, my name is marin. My family moved to a home on the Sandy river back in the 60,s. A deaf man , by the name of Gerald Warre built the Ivy Bear. At night he would climb the ladder inside and light up the eyes with candles. He lived in a trailer on our street.My first job was at the Ivy Bear Rest. Han,s Dalessio owned both, he was from Switzerland and lived on Sullivan way. He was a chef at the Forest Inn, Dave was a cook at Ivy Bear. Boy I know a lot of history on the mountain.Alder creek was a great place to grow up.
My name is Jeff Parker, I grew up skiing on Mt Hood. My dad would load our entire family from Portland in our station wagon in the late 50’s as we headed up skiing. After the bear was built one of the two superstitions that we practiced on every trip was to lift our legs off the floor of the car as we drove by the Ivy bear to ensure a safe trip on the mountain. The other was to turn off the radio, and no one say a word as we passed through silent rock. I practiced that with my kids as they grew up and most likely will pass it on to my grandchildren someday.
Silent Rock was a tradition with my parents and my brother and I when we were kids. I carried on the tradition to my children. Thank you for sharing Jeff.
We still honor Silent Rock, and have passed it on to our grandchildren…
Thank you for sharing. Love to hear history of our community.