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In early 1936 as the Great Depression raged, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) undertook what many would call a "make-work" project to build a lodge on the south side of Mt. Hood in Northern Oregon. In retrospect, history has shown us that the Timberline Lodge was a "make-art" project-- the Timberline Lodge is certainly a state, if not national, treasure! The original design of the building was created by the famous architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood, and although his design was heavily modified prior to construction, his influence is apparent. The architectural style is unique, a blend of many styles really. It primarily reflects the rustic style, a style which Underwood had undeniably mastered by this time. The Lodge features the classic rustic elements: high ceilings, massive exposed beams and posts, heavy metal accents (wrought iron in this case), and large expanses of rough-cut stones. The "Timberline Arch", a structure named after this lodge, is a major repeating theme; seen in doors, windows, and even the furniture. Timberline Lodge is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Timberline Lodge, which opened September 28, 1937, is a hand-made wonder. Just about everything in the building from door hinges to furniture is hand-made, mostly from local materials. Crafts persons were brought in to design and build models of the furniture, rugs, drapes, and bedspreads. Those crafts persons then trained unskilled workers who did the bulk of the work of making the furnishings. Interior designer Margery Hoffman Smith was the interior designer for the Lodge. Artisans were hired to create original art work for the lodge that ranged from wood carvings to paintings. Today the Timberline Lodge is an art museum as well as a lodge. In addition to the original pieces from the 1930's, additional art work has been commissioned and added to the building over the years. Items that wear out, such as the drapes, have been repaired or replaced with new hand-made duplicates of the originals. When items needed to be modernized to meet modern-day requirements, such as door locks, the work has been done in a way that makes the modern mechanism appear as close as possible to the original. Timberline Lodge is a showplace of superb craftsmanship, both old and new.

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