Day 8 - Mt. Hood RR & Timberline Lodge, OR - Friday

We’ve chartered 1940’s era vintage railroad cars on the Mt. Hood Railroad, officially designated a National Historic Site. On board we’ve arranged for a selection of Hood River’s regional fruits and delightful period entertainment.

In season, your luxury motorcoach will then transport you 6,000 feet up majestic Mt. Hood to Timberline Lodge, a landmark wilderness retreat built in 1937. You’ll enjoy a delightful lunch of Northwest cuisine prepared by Timberline’s award-winning chef. We’ve also arranged a special “fair weather” attraction, a safe and comfortable journey on the “Magic Mile” ski lift, sure to impress you with its breathtaking views from the top. Tonight is the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner, where you can share stories of the week’s events and wish your fellow passengers well. A special finale,“Salute to America,” is planned by the Columbia Queen’s entertainment staff.

Daily tour background descriptions:

Mt. Hood Railroad
Enjoy the splendors of the scenic Columbia Gorge while climbing to the foothills of Mount Hood aboard historic, 1940’s era vintage rail cars. Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams supply the dramatic backdrop, and each season brings new delights- Autumn sets the orchards and mountains ablaze in fiery yellows, oranges, and reds. In the springtime, fruit blossoms bathe the valley in soft colors. Summer brings lushness to the foliage, a blush to the fruit, a deeper blue to the sky. The railroad, officially designated a National Historic Site, rolls through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery. At each turn of the track, another gorgeous view stretches before you. At the end of the line, nestled peacefully in the fruit orchards, the little town of Parkdale will welcome guests when the ride is over.

Parkdale
A quaint northwestern town nestled among cherry and apple orchards, here Guests will have an opportunity to explore and shop. We will stop on our way up to Timberline Lodge.

Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in September 1937. Midway to the summit of Mt. Hood, it has been declared a National Historic Landmark and a masterpiece of mountain lodges. Constructed of mammoth timbers and native stone, the lodge was built in 1937 by hundreds of master craftsmen as a W.P.A. project. It stands today as a tribute to the rugged spirit of the Pacific Northwest and a memorial to the creative skills of a special group of people. A breathtaking view is seen from the top of the “Magic Mile” ski lift.

Out of Season Alternative:

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum-Stevenson
The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center is the nonprofit museum of the Skamania County Historical Society, dedicated to preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the cultural and natural history of the Columbia River Gorge. It was completed in 1995 at a cost of $10.5 million. Our site comprises 70 acres including Rock Creek Cove. The museum building encloses 23,000 sq. ft. of which 11,000 sq. ft. is devoted to exhibits. The center includes exhibits about: Native American Life, Heritage Quilts, Lewis and Clark, World's Largest Rosary Collection, Fishing the Columbia, Antique Cars and Trucks, Historic Logging Equipment, 1800's Working saw mill steam engine, 37' High working fish wheel, and Historic River Transportation.