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
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.
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.
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 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 …
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 …
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.
The Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop. Many locals who remember this place in its heyday still call this the Snake Pit. In its lifetime it was several things, including a church and a home. The building was constructed by renowned Mount Hood cabin builder Henry Steiner as a roadside tourist souvenir shop along the way to Mount Hood. This was his last log structure project. At one point it was even a reptile garden.
Back before cars were developed into the high speed vehicles of today, and Highway 26 was blasted into straight line four lane route that allowed everyone to move at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour, a trip to Mount Hood was more of an easier pace. Post World War II was a time when families took to the highways on days off and vacations to camp and to recreate. The tourist industry was a big deal, with roadhouses and unique roadside attractions. Many people called these places “tourist traps”.
In our area here on the south side of Mount Hood there were several businesses that provided both lodging and meals. A couple of the tourist traps that were here, included this business, the Brightwood Museum and Novelty Shop, the Swiss Gardens and the Mt Hood Indian Pageant. This old building is a cultural treasure to our area but sadly it’s falling into ruins. You can still see this old structure at the intersection of Bridge Street and Brightwood Loop Road in the parking lot of the Brightwood store.
100 Years of Rhododendron Oregon and Mount Hood Tourism
I produced a video to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the little Mount Hood village of Rhododendron Oregon. It’s a collection that consists of photos that I’ve collected through the years and have added to my collection. There are a couple that are in the video that are copies of photos from the Welch Family as well as the family of Dr Ivan Wooley.
Located along the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway on a 19th-century pioneer wagon
route, Rhododendron nestles into the western flank of the craggy peak. The
terrain.
