Day 19 9/13/15 Mt. Hood and the Timberline Lodge
We woke up to a clear and sunny day for our trip down the Fruit Loop to Mt. Hood. We took a short detour to Panorama Point County Park for a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. Mt. Hood, with an elevation of 11,249 ft. is the tallest peak in the state of Oregon.
View From Our Room's Balcony at the Hood River Inn
Mt. Hood from Panorama Point
Hood River, OR from Panorama Point
We drove by many acres of orchards and vineyards that are along the Fruit Loop. These orchards produce apples, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries. Currently, pears are at their peak for being harvested.
We drove through Mt. Hood National Forest to the Timberline Lodge. Considered an architectural wonder, it's still being used for its original intent--a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for all to enjoy. The lodge was constructed between 1936 and 1938 as a WPA project during the Great Depression. Workers used large timbers and local stone, and placed intricately carved decorative elements throughout the building. Mt. Hood has less snow than normal because of their extremely mild winter and hot summer temperatures.
Timberline Lodge
Lodge Lobby
Mt. Jefferson from Mt. Hood
Tonight we are winding down and getting ready to head back to Seattle tomorrow. This was a wonderful trip but we will be happy to get home after 3 weeks of travel. We are getting so tired of eating out that we don't even want to look at another restaurant menu!