A Piece of Brightwood History
The Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop—known to many locals as the Snake Pit—was once a popular roadside stop along the old highway to Mount Hood. Located at the intersection of Bridge Street and Brightwood Loop Road, it sits today in quiet decay near the Brightwood Store. But once, this log cabin-style building drew the attention of curious travelers and vacationing families.
Built by Henry Steiner, Master Cabin Builder
This unique structure holds special historical value because it was the final log building constructed by the legendary Mount Hood craftsman Henry Steiner. Best known for his iconic cabins and lodges across the region, Steiner built this structure specifically as a souvenir shop for tourists passing through Brightwood on their way to the mountain. Over the years, the building also served as a church, a private residence, and even briefly operated as a reptile garden.
The Road to Mount Hood: Slower Days, Quirky Stops
Before Highway 26 was widened and straightened into the fast-moving route it is today, a trip to Mount Hood was a leisurely journey. Especially after World War II, families packed their cars and hit the road in search of fresh air, fishing, and mountain recreation. Roadside attractions—often referred to as “tourist traps”—were part of the charm of the drive.
In addition to the Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop, the area boasted other quirky destinations like the Swiss Gardens and the Mt. Hood Indian Pageant. These attractions helped define the postwar tourist era on the mountain’s south side.
A Local Landmark in Decline
Although time has taken its toll, the building still stands as a reminder of the golden age of roadside tourism. Sadly, it’s now deteriorating and largely forgotten. But for those who remember its heyday—or discover its story today—it remains a cultural landmark worth preserving in memory, if not in restoration.
If you’re driving through Brightwood, take a moment to stop by the parking lot of the Brightwood Store. You’ll find the old log structure still standing, weathered but resolute, whispering stories of a different time in Mount Hood’s history.
The Swiss Gardens were just to the west behind the east bound weight station in Brightwood. It was partially taken away with the highway widen- ing.
My father, Elmer Hanson, back in late 1950’s had the Reptile Pit in this building for a couple of summers. People fed our monkey so much “junk” she was sick all night. We had snakes, lizards, big tortise couple, monkeys, fascinating things my Dad ordered from far away. They were fun to play with, feed, and have in the house. He was a very intelligent man. The biggest monkey, Maggie, lived until the latee 1970’s. Great memories.