By Amber Ford The Mountain Times
Throughout its 87 years of operation, Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge has remained a popular tourist destination, prompting individuals from all walks of life to engage in its historic and legendary lodge while enjoying the pearly white frosted slopes. While its staff works relentlessly to maintain the look, feel and overall vibe of its historic uniqueness, the nonprofit organization, Friends of Timberline, has been a fixture and compelling force in securing the lodge’s pristine historical presence on Mt. Hood for the last 50 years.
As the continued partnership between The Mt. Hood National Forest, Timberline Lodge and Friends of Timberline has evolved and grown over the last several years, The Oregon Public Broadcasting network is featuring this most unique relationship in a special which will air in March on O.P.B. [Oregon Public Broadcasting]. According to past Friends of Timberline President Michael Gentry, the piece will focus on the history of the relationship between the lodge and the organization and its significant projects and contributions. “2025 is FOT’s 50th anniversary.” Gentry said. “FOT commissioned Bridge City Video to create the video for FOT’s use. One of the desired uses was an airing on OPB. FOT reached out to OPB and after viewing it, OPB agreed that it was of the type and quality to be featured on OPB,” Gentry added.
Timberline Lodge’s legacy has prompted many filmmakers, television shows and even previous OPB documentaries in the past, but this one will mark a significant showcase to Friends of Timberline’s organization and their continued dedication to the historical preservation of the lodge. According to Gentry, the episode airing on OPB will focus on why their nonprofit was created and the importance of maintaining this most unique relationship. “The episode will show
archival historic interviews with the individuals who conceived of the idea of forming FOT and who were involved in creating it,” Gentry said. “It will also contain discussions by various involved FOT Board members and staff on a number of the significant projects such as the Winter Entrance Project, the Light up the Art Project and the Amphitheater Project,” Gentry added.
While Timberline Lodge continues to remain vigilant in their preservation of the overall historic aesthetic of the lodge and its importance in Oregon and national history, Friends of Timberline hopes this documentary on their organization will help the public understand why such a relationship is important. “This is a chance for the viewing public to see and appreciate Friends of Timberline’s contributions to the look and feel of the Lodge and the need to continue that process,” Gentry said.
OPB will air the special on Friends of Timberline in March. To find episode dates and times please visit opb.org .