A mysterious, untitled discovery
Behold, this improbable structure, perched precariously on a mountain’s shoulder. It is Timberline Lodge, a testament to the strange and sometimes grandiose ambitions of man, born from the crucible of an economic collapse. In the 1930s, when the world sought solace – or perhaps just a warm bed and a hot meal – this lodge emerged, built by the hands of ordinary men and women, artists and craftsmen, all striving against the relentless indifference of nature.
Observe its massive, sloping roof, like the back of some slumbering beast, designed to shed the immense weight of winter snows. It is a necessary adaptation, a grim concession to the harsh realities of this high-altitude realm. The very stones that form its foundation, the timbers that compose its frame, were often harvested from this very landscape, a cannibalistic act, yet one that yields a certain harmony with its surroundings.
Consider the details: the heavy, hand-hewn doors, the intricate ironwork, the grand, central chimney stack reaching for the indifferent sky. Each element speaks of a time when durability was paramount, beauty was found in function, and the collective spirit could, for a brief flicker, defy the encroaching darkness. It exists here, a monument to human endeavor against the vast, cold emptiness of the wilderness, offering a fleeting warmth to those who seek refuge within its concrete and timber embrace. And yet, one cannot help but sense the profound silence that pervades these high places, a reminder of our fragile existence in the face of such ancient, unyielding forces.
Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood
This large, imposing structure is a national historic landmark, the Timberline Lodge, located on the slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon. What makes this building particularly striking is its unique design, which seems almost to grow out of the mountain itself. Notice the distinctively steep, heavily shingled roofs and the use of massive stone and timber. This architectural style was intentionally chosen to withstand the extreme weather conditions at such a high elevation, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, which often bury much of the first floor during the winter.
The Timberline Lodge was a significant public works project built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration, or WPA, between 1936 and 1938. The WPA was a federal program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide jobs and stimulate the economy during a time of widespread unemployment. Thousands of artisans and laborers, many of whom had no prior building experience, were employed in its construction. They used local materials, including timber from nearby forests and stone from the mountain, to create a lodge that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
Beyond its impressive construction and historical significance, the Timberline Lodge is also famous for its role in popular culture. It served as the exterior of the ominous Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's classic 1980 horror film, *The Shining*, based on Stephen King's novel. While the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the lodge's imposing facade and isolated mountain setting contributed significantly to the movie's chilling atmosphere. Today, it remains a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and those simply looking to experience a piece of American history and cinematic lore.
Timberline Lodge and "The Shining"
You're looking at Timberline Lodge, an iconic and historic ski lodge on the south face of Mount Hood, Oregon. Built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) art déco, it's renowned for its unique rustic architecture and craftsmanship, utilizing local materials. Every piece of furniture and art inside was made by hand. It's famous for being the exterior setting for the fictional Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film "The Shining." The lodge is still an active ski resort and a popular destination for hikers and tourists exploring the Mount Hood National Forest.
Timberline Lodge
That's the Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark on the south side of Mount Hood. Built during the Great Depression by the and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) it showcases exceptional Rustic architecture and craftsmanship using local materials. Its iconic exterior was used as the fictional Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film, *The Shining*, based on Stephen King's novel.