Timberline Lodge’s historic legacy one year after fire

On the night of April 18, 2024, fireplace embers started a fire in the attic and roof of the iconic Timberline Lodge. Thanks to the hard work of Timberline Lodge and national forest employees, as well as professional restoration contractors, one year later you can barely tell there was a fire.

The burned areas and interior water damage have been fully repaired and Timberline Lodge is thriving. What could have been a devastating disaster turned into an example of what can happen when a community comes together to save a national treasure.

First responders from the Forest Service, Clackamas Fire Department, Estacada Fire District, Gresham Fire Department, Hoodland Fire District, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and Portland Fire & Rescue arrived and extinguished the fire swiftly, preventing severe damage to the beloved Depression-era lodge. Not only was the firefighting response remarkable, but the exemplary staff at Timberline Lodge jumped into action to ensure all hotel guests and staff were immediately and safely evacuated.

“It can’t be overstated the tremendous effort the whole RLK staff put into protecting and preserving the building during and after the fire which saved irreplaceable building materials and furnishings,” said Richard Sparks, civil engineer for the repair project. “Then turning around to get the lodge ready for re-opening to the public in a couple days – just outstanding care and work ethic.”

Fire investigators and clean-up crews worked through the night. Work in the first 24 hours also included removing artwork and quickly assessing for any damage to historic paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

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A National Historic Landmark

The lodge is a building loved by all who experience it – skiers and snowboarders, tourists, cinephiles, art connoisseurs, and history buffs alike – so it’s no surprise that the community swiftly united to save it. International media covered the story and good wishes and memories flooded into the Forest:

• “Thank you all for keeping the Lodge alive and taking care of each other! I was so saddened to hear the news but so glad y'all are safe and well!! I hope the restoration work goes well and we can enjoy the mountain again soon.”
• “So glad there was minimal damage and no injuries. Timberline is a treasure. I have so many good memories there, including trips with Welches Schools students.”
• “One of Oregon’s crown jewels is safe thanks to staff and first responders. Five generations of my family have a connection with this lodge and I’m grateful for all who prevented this from being a major loss.”

Timberline Lodge is owned by the Forest Service and operates under a special use permit issued to RLK & Co. by Mt. Hood National Forest. The lodge provides hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to the local economy. Built during the Great Depression by craftspeople, artists, and workers employed through the Works Progress Administration and other New Deal programs, it’s a vital part of Oregon’s and the country’s heritage.

Post-fire recovery efforts and roof repair were successful because of the quick response from everyone involved. RLK hired a company that provides emergency restoration and reconstruction services to mitigate water damage from the attic down through the headhouse and lobby. This was critical to minimize impacts to the 87-year-old building. 

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Project Challenges

Firstly, weather-proofing the exposed roof before construction could begin – and continuing to monitor and resecure it – was a difficult task. At 6,000 feet elevation, Timberline Lodge is subjected to a harsh alpine climate and several hundred inches of snow per year. Work needed to fit into the area’s short summer/fall work season. Forest Service staff quickly got a construction contract in place in June 2024 to complete the repairs to the fire-damaged roof. 

The fire primarily burned the headhouse roof and sheathing, plus spot damage to the West Wing roof. Special consideration was necessary as nearly every feature of the roof is unique to Timberline Lodge. Limited availability of large cedar shakes for the roof and shiplap for the sheathing was a significant challenge. The cedar shakes required usually aren’t readily available in large quantities. The contractor worked with multiple vendors to get replacement shakes of the correct dimensions. 

Construction involved removal of all fire-damaged materials from the roof structure, then replacement of the damaged shiplap sheathing before resurfacing the roof with the new cedar shakes, copper flashing around chimney and valleys, and one new ridge log. The project was completed in September 2024.

Not only was fire a risk to the building’s structure, but to the many pieces of priceless art inside. During the lodge’s construction in the 1930s, artisans were commissioned to create art representative of the nature and culture in the Cascade Mountains and Pacific Northwest. Virtually every part of Timberline Lodge was custom-built and handmade by an artisan or craftsperson, and much of the building was constructed using local materials. 

The Forest Service and RLK follow preservation requirements to maintain its integrity as a significant part of American history. RLK’s curator and support staff immediately began to stabilize historic watercolor paintings until an art conservator could clean them. They worked closely with a contractor to have floorboards repaired due to moisture warping from the copious amounts of water used to put out the fire. The contractor acquired Oregon white oak from the Willamette Valley – the very same type of wood used for the original flooring. 

While federal funds and the permittee’s insurance covered most of the structure damage, restoration and repair costs exceeded these funding sources. Friends of Timberline, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and conserving the art and items within Timberline Lodge, also raised money to help with the repairs. Friends of Timberline fundraised extensively and donated $100,000 from members of the public to the lodge after the fire. This is yet another testament to the community’s continued support of this national historic landmark.

Looking Into the Future

Caring for Timberline Lodge is a feat accomplished because of dedicated people working together. Mt. Hood National Forest collaborates closely with RLK and our local fire agencies to prepare for emergencies like this one. While staff hope to never have to implement emergency plans, last April’s fire showed that investing in planning ahead is crucial. As stewards of Timberline Lodge, we’re honored to work with our partners to protect the historic character of the lodge and preserve it for generations to come.

For information on Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, visit: www.timberlinelodge.com

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