Posted By admin on August 5, 2009

Where the Friendly Is

How the Villages Became Known for Hospitality

Hospitality is the watch word here on The Mountain. Our communities, collectively, are called The Villages of Mt Hood, but the locals call it “The Mountain”.

First Came the Cabins

Hospitality has a long tradition here starting back in late 19th century when Oregon Trail pioneer Samuel Welch and his son William “Billy” Welch transitioned the Welch’s Ranch into a camping, hunting, fishing and hiking destination. Folks from Portland and the Willamette Valley had discovered the beauty of the area and were coming in increasing numbers so it only made sense.

After Samuel’s death in 1898, Billy took over the complete operation which included, primarily, the camp ground and ranch’s facilities. He designated camp spots which were typically occupied each year by the same families. In time these camp spots developed very small cabins which in time were sold to the families that had occupied them traditionally.

Then Came the Community

In 1902 Billy leased a parcel of land to two gentlemen, a Mr. Wrenn and a Mr. Kern, who built the Welches Hotel, a two story building that offered meals and rooms for guests. This was the beginnings of what was to become the future of our communities. It was essentially, the first Bed and Breakfast on the mountain.

In 1909 Kern and Wren gave up the hotel and Billy and his new bride Jennie “Faubion” Welch developed it into what is today known as The Resort on The Mountain, a world class facility that includes a beautiful 27 hole golf course, condominiums and convention facilities.

As time went by others jumped on the hospitality band wagon. Further up the Salmon River valley, Francis H. Tawny built Tawny’s Hotel in 1909, a spacious two story facility that became known for Mrs. Tawny’s great cooking, especially her huckleberry pies. Down stream the Arrah Wanna Hotel was built. Near Zigzag La Casa Monte was built as a home but later took in “summer boarders”.

Further up the road in what is now the village of Rhododendron Henry S. Rowe, a former mayor of Portland, built the Rhododendron Inn. In time the Traveler Roost, which later became the Zigzag Inn was built as well as others such as the Barlow Trail Inn in Zigzag and the Log Lodge in Rhododendron.

There was a reason that this area attracted so many guests for these ventures. The area back then was known for its excellent outdoor activities and just plain relaxed “Mountain Attitude”. Its feeling of remoteness and its close proximity to Portland made the area the ideal getaway destination.

You’ll Always Find a Friendly Face

100 years later much has changed, yet much is the same. The Villages of Mt Hood are still offering the same feeling of separation from the Rat Race just down the road and the “Mountain Attitude” is still a part of those that live and visit here.

The Villages of Mt Hood offer everything from World Class resort facilities, quality Bed and Breakfasts to small privately owned mountain cabins. All of the activities that attracted visitors 100 years ago, plus many more, are still here and waiting for you. Come to “The Mountain” today and discover what many have discovered before you.

Categories: Mt Hood Lodging
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