history Archives - Page 3 of 8 - Mount Hood History

Mount Hood’s Native Trails

A Place of Cultural Significance

It’s not commonly known, but our home on the slopes of Mount Hood is a place of deep cultural importance. For generations, Mount Hood’s Native people traveled here each season, arriving from all directions between spring and autumn to live, hunt, trade, and gather resources.

The place that we call Zigzag today was once a convergence point for three important ancient trails:

One trail came from the Columbia River Gorge, following what is now called Lolo Pass.
Another came from Central Oregon, crossing the south side of Mount Hood—a path that parts of the Barlow Trail later followed.
The third arrived from the west, connecting to the Willamette Valley.

Seasonal Gatherings and Traditions

Although the native people travel and would hunt in this area all year long, each Spring tribes from all around Mount Hood gathered in ancestral camps along the rivers between Government Camp and the town of Sandy, especially at the the confluence of the Sandy and Salmon Rivers. They returned to places that their families had been coming to for centuries.

The purpose of these gatherings was to harvest essential resources and trade with other visiting groups. While the men hunted and fished, the women also fished, harvested food, medicinal roots, and herbs from the area’s plentiful wetlands. They also collected huckleberries on the surrounding hillsides and carefully prepared their bounty for transport back to their winter homes. They would also play games and race horses.

A Tradition That Faded with Time

For thousands of years, these seasonal gatherings remained a vital part of life in this region. However, by the late 19th century, they began to disappear. As disease reduced the Native population and forced relocations to reservations increased, the annual traditions slowly faded.

Samuel and Billy Welch coexisted with the Native people for some time. However, as non-Native settlers arrived to recreate and establish permanent homes, the presence of the original inhabitants diminished.

A Continued Presence in the Region

Even after their seasonal camps had vanished, Native people still traveled along the Barlow Trail from Warm Springs to the Willamette Valley. Many brought herds of horses or sheep to sell. They often stopped overnight in Welches, where Billy Welch provided corrals for their animals.

Honoring the Past

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine the land we call home as it once was—teeming with life, culture, and tradition for thousands of years. It may seem like distant history, yet in reality, it wasn’t that long ago.

The history of Mount Hood is deeply intertwined with the history of its Native people. Their stories, trails, and traditions are still woven into the landscape, reminding us of those who came before us.

Motorcycle 8000′ Up On Mt. Hood

Axel Kildahl Sets an Altitude Record – September 13, 1914

On September 13, 1914, motorcyclist Axel Kildahl of Lents, Oregon, made history on Mount Hood. Riding his Dayton motorcycle, he pushed his machine to an astounding 7,600 feet above Government Camp, setting a new altitude record for motor-driven vehicles on the mountain.

A Fierce Competition

The race to claim the highest altitude on Mount Hood had been heating up. Local motorcycle dealers had been competing to see whose machine could climb the highest, proving their durability and endurance. Several motorcyclists had previously reached 7,000 feet, but Kildahl’s extra 600 feet stood as an unprecedented achievement. Experts at the time believed his record would remain unbroken for many years.

The Journey to the Summit

Kildahl wasn’t alone in his journey. On Saturday, September 5, a group of 12 motorcyclists departed Portland, making their way to Rhododendron Tavern, where they spent the night. Early the next morning, the riders set off toward Government Camp, preparing for the grueling climb ahead.

The ascent was no easy feat. Snow and ice covered the rugged slopes, forcing Kildahl to navigate treacherous terrain. As he neared the final 500 feet, the challenge became even greater. His engine overheated frequently, forcing him to stop every 100 feet to let it cool. While waiting, the group found ways to pass the time—engaging in impromptu snowball fights in the crisp mountain air.

A Historic Achievement

After a long and grueling battle against the mountain, Kildahl finally secured his place in history, becoming the first person to take a wheeled vehicle to such an altitude on Mount Hood. His accomplishment was more than a personal victory—it was a testament to the determination, engineering, and adventurous spirit of early motorcyclists.

His record stood as a remarkable feat of endurance, proving that even in 1914, the quest for adventure and the drive to push limits knew no bounds.

Adolph Aschoff’s Humor

Adolph Aschoff’s Humor – Jokes from another century

The Humor of Adolph Aschoff: Marmot’s Legendary Storyteller

The following account highlights the legendary sense of humor of Adolph Aschoff, a well-known pioneer from Marmot, Oregon. It comes from a 1970s entry in The Mountain Magazine, a publication that featured historical articles and local business advertisements from the Hoodland area. The article was written by Wilbur Sulzbach.

Adolph Aschoff: A Pioneer with a Story to Tell

Adolph Aschoff was a pioneer homesteader who settled in Marmot—a place he named himself—along the old Oregon Trail. In 1883, he built a hotel called Aschoff’s Mountain Home, where he entertained travelers and adventurers along the Barlow Road. For nearly 50 years, his hotel served as a destination for people eager to experience the great outdoors and begin their Mount Hood adventures.

A Man Who Knew How to Entertain

Adolph was a jovial character who loved to entertain his guests. He played music, told jokes, and shared thrilling stories of adventure. In those days, storytelling was an art, and Adolph excelled at it.

The following two stories were among his favorites. They offer a glimpse into 19th-century humor and how people entertained themselves long before radio and television. Today, we might call Adolph Aschoff’s humor classic “Dad Jokes.”

You can read more about Adolph Achoff and Marmot Oregon HERE.

Adolph Aschoff’s Sense of Humor

Many People remember Adolph Achoff as a man who brought life and laughter to any gathering. His jokes were told and told again with variations. Melvin Haneberg remembers these two.

Adolph told a gathering about a recent trip to Gresham with his wife. They were driving along standing in their high box wagon when a grouse flew up and suddenly in front of the horses. The team reared and jumped into the ditch alongside the road and overturned the wagon. Adolph and his wife crouched down as the wagon overturned and escaped injury but were trapped under the wagon.

“There we were,” said Adolph, “the wagon on top of us and we couldn’t get out.”

“You wouldn’t believe this but I had to walk almost a half a mile to find a fence rail to pry the wagon up and get us out.”

At another time some Marmot friends were complaining about sudden changes in the weather. Adolph said, “Gentlemen, let me tell you about Kansas. I was driving along in a light one-horse wagon on a lovely spring day. The sky suddenly grew black as night, the rain fell so hard I could not breathe, the water filled the wagonbox and ran over the top of my shoes. then the cold wind started to blow. In two minutes my hands were so numb I dropped the reins and had to call to the horse to take me home. When the horse stopped at the barn door I yelled for my wife to bring the axe and shop my feet loose from the wagonbox. Just then the sun came out and melted the ice before my wife could find the axe. Marmot weather is not so bad.”

-Wilbur (“Pete”) Sulzbach

Bill White – Mount Hood Historian

Below is an article that I wrote for the Villages of Mt Hood about my friend Bill White. I’ve known Bill for quite some time now and have gotten to know him quite well. He and I both have many common interests, mostly the love of local Mount Hood history. This is the second article the I’ve written for this

Lolo Pass Ski Trip

A Classic Lolo Pass Ski Trip from 1955

Lolo Pass, located on the west side of Mount Hood, is a historic mountain route connecting Zigzag on the southwest side to the Hood River Valley on the north. The road runs between Mount Hood’s western slopes and the Bull Run watershed, the primary water source for Portland.

A Glimpse into the Past

As a collector of old Mount Hood photographs, I recently came across a fascinating set of images from a Lolo Pass ski trip in 1955. These medium-format negatives, dated April 5, 1955, capture a group of skiers enjoying a perfect day in the snow.

The photos reveal a breathtakingly clear view of Mount Hood in the distance. The skiers appear well-prepared for their journey, and one detail stands out—they seem to have access to a gated road, an unusual privilege even at the time. One image even includes a sign marking the Bull Run Lake Trail, a landmark that helps confirm their location.

Lolo Pass Then and Now

While much of Lolo Pass Road remains accessible today, things have changed significantly. Since the passage of the Patriot Act, access to everything west of Lolo Pass Road leading to Bull Run Lake has been restricted. The area, once open to recreation, is now off-limits to protect Portland’s drinking water supply.

Despite these changes, many of the viewpoints captured in the 1955 photos remain unchanged. If you were to visit today, you could still recognize some of the same scenic overlooks, standing where these skiers once enjoyed their day in the snow nearly 70 years ago.

These photos serve as a rare and nostalgic window into a time when adventure on Lolo Pass was freer and less restricted—a reminder of Mount Hood’s enduring beauty and history.

Pacific Crest Trail

Springs Indian Reservation (10) Timberline Lodge Mount Hood Wilderness Lolo Pass Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (8) Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness

The Mountain View Inn

A Lost Landmark of Government Camp

This historic photo captures the Mountain View Inn under heavy snow during the 1940s. Once a well-known hotel in Government Camp, Oregon, the inn played a key role in the town’s early ski culture. However, in 1955, a fire destroyed the building, leaving only memories behind.

A Pioneer Homestead Becomes a Hotel

The building originally belonged to Lena Little, wife of Francis C. Little, a pioneer homesteader. It first served as a private residence, but later, workers moved it to the north side of the main road in Government Camp. This relocation allowed it to become a hotel, serving visitors drawn to the growing ski scene.

Jack Rafferty’s Lodge and the War Years

After the move, Jack Rafferty leased the building and transformed it into a hotel and ski lodge. At first, he named it Rafferty’s or Rafferty’s Hut. Later, he purchased the property, establishing it as a local business.

During its early years, the hotel also went by the name Tyrolian Lodge, reflecting Government Camp’s Alpine influence. However, World War II forced the hotel to close, as tourism slowed and many businesses struggled.

A New Era: The Mountain View Inn

After the war, Harry Albright reopened the lodge and renamed it The Mountain View Inn. As tourism grew, Government Camp became a major skiing destination. With more visitors arriving, the inn became a popular stop for travelers heading to Mount Hood.

A Fiery End in 1955

In 1955, tragedy struck when the Mountain View Inn burned down. It once stood across the street from Daar’s Ski Shop, which later became Charlie’s Mountain View, a well-known landmark today.

Although the inn is gone, its history survives through photographs and stories. This image, showing the snow-covered hotel, serves as a reminder of Government Camp’s past and its early skiing culture.

The Mt Hood Skiway Tram

. The Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with a plan to create an aerial tramway to Timberline Lodge on the south slope of Mount Hood from Government Camp, the gathering spot for every activity on The Mountain. It was to be called The Skiway

The Mt Hood Skiway Tram

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.

/mount-hood/the-mt-hood-skiway

Tawney’s Mountain Home

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

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

Arlie Mitchell Barlow Road’s last Tollgate Keeper

Arlie Edward Mitchell, 89, thought to be the last living Barlow Road tollgate keeper, dies June 1. (1976)

Mitchell died in Gresham after an extended illness. Services were held Monday with internment at Lincoln Memorial Park.

In his later years Mitchell was well known for his recollections of operating the Barlow tollgate. He was present in 1970 when the tollgate near Rhododendron was dedicated.

He recalled that it was his duty during his period as a gatekeeper from 1906 to 1908 to keep track of the people, animals and wagons that passed through the gate.

That included counting sheep, flocks of them brought across the Barlow’s route over Mt. Hood. Mitchell recalled one flock of sheep that numbered about 3000.

He liked to tell the story of the Indian woman so fat that she got stuck in the small gate. Everyone had a good laugh including her Indian companions who teased her before helping her out of her predicament.

Mitchell was born Dec. 6, 1886, the son of Stephen and Ellen Mitchell, on a farm near Sandy.

He attended a public school two miles from his home and went to work at an early age in sawmills and logging camps. For several seasons he worked with Lige Coalman as a guide on Mt Hood.

He was widely known as a builder. In 1908 he helped build the first grade and high school in Sandy and the Odd Fellows Hall. Years later he helped build Smith’s Garage and did some work on the Masonic Hall.

He spent four years in the Forest Service building and maintaining telephone lines. He traveled by saddle horse with a pack horse to carry his tools, tent and personal belongings, cooking his meals over a campfire.

Mitchell joined the Navy in 1917 eventually making 16 crossings from New York to Europe. He served in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France and remembered the great cheering for “The Yanks” on Armistice Day in Belfast.

Mitchell served aboard the captured German vessel, “Emporator”, which was pressed into service as a troop ship and transport. Eventually he was transferred to a destroyer travelling through the Panama Canal.

He was fond of telling about a week’s stop in Mexico where he swapped an old pair of dungarees for a bunch of bananas.

Following his discharge. from the Navy Mitchell worked on bridges at Zigzag River znc Sill Creek. He buillt many summer homes including his own.

In 1928 he married Anna Ringness. A few years later he drew a homestead in Tule Lake, Calif., where the couple lived a year building a house and farm home for his brother, Harry, who survives him. Also surviving is another brother, John, of Sandy.

after “proving up” the homestead the Mitchells moved back to the Faubion area on Mt. Hood. He became treasurer of the Faubion Summer Home Association and held office for at least 35 years. He also served several times as a director of the Welches School Board.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Anna, Rhododendron; a son, Edward; a daughter, Ellen and four grandchildren.

Mt. Hood Golf Course history

The Story of The Mt. Hood Golf Course – From Pasture to Premier Resort

A Golfing Gem in the Salmon River Valley

Mt. Hood Golf Course history – Nestled deep in the Salmon River Valley, at the foothills of Mount Hood, lies one of Oregon’s first and most scenic golf courses. What began in the 1920s on Billy Welch’s pasture has evolved into a full-service resort offering luxury amenities, 27 holes of golf, and unforgettable views. Today, it’s known as Mt. Hood Resort, but its roots go back nearly a century.

This post takes a closer look at the legacy of the Mt. Hood Golf Course — a true piece of local and Oregon golf history.

The Beginnings: A Vision in 1928

In 1927, Ralph Shattuck and George Waale envisioned a golf course on land leased from Billy Welch. They leased 169 acres, with an option to buy, and got to work.

Construction began in January 1926. By August 1928, the first round was played on what became known as The Mt. Hood Golf Course. They built a clubhouse, a putting green, and the original nine holes — now called the “Pinecone” course. It was Oregon’s first true golf resort and helped put Welches on the map as a destination.

The course thrived until the Great Depression hit. In 1939, Shattuck and Waale lost the property when they could no longer make payments. Billy and Jennie Welch reclaimed it.

Changing Ownership and Expansion

After Billy’s death in 1942, Jennie Welch ran the course alone until July 1944, when she sold it to Leo Hueval.

Two years later, in 1946, J.P. Lich and his wife Oberta purchased the course from Hueval. Jennie Welch also sold them an additional 88 acres. In 1948, Lich sold the course to Eugene and Peggy Bowman.

The Bowmans renamed it Bowman’s Golf Club and added a second nine-hole course, now known as Thistle, expanding the facility to 18 holes. They operated it successfully until 1978.

Further Growth and the Birth of a Resort

In 1973, American Guaranty acquired land across the road and developed a conference center, restaurant, and lodging. By 1979, they bought the golf course from the Bowmans and merged both properties into a resort.

They named it Rippling River Resort and added a third nine-hole course, known as The Red Side (now called “Foxglove”). This expansion made it the only 27-hole golf course in Oregon at the time.

A Scottish Touch: The Resort at The Mountain

In 1989, Ed and Janice Hopper purchased the resort and rebranded it as The Resort at The Mountain. Ed, with his Scottish ancestry, introduced a Scottish theme throughout the property, adding character and cultural charm.

The Hoppers ran the resort until 2007. After several changes in ownership, the resort now operates as Mt. Hood Resort, continuing its legacy as a premier golf and vacation destination in the Mount Hood region.

Mt. Hood Golf | Golf | Mt. Hood Oregon Resort

Pinecone was established in 1928 and is often referred to as the “Original Nine.” This scenic course offers 360-degree views of the cascading hills of the Mount …

George Pinner – Master Stonemason

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.

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