Timberline Lodge is a historic alpine lodge constructed in the late 1930s as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), high on Mount Hood where the trees thin out and glaciers loom large.
Its lobby is dominated by a massive, soaring stone chimney which forms the central pillar of the hexagonal post and beam structure, rising some 40 feet overhead in the main lobby, 92 feet from base to crown.
Throughout the building are artworks and handcrafted details of a bygone era.
It’s a really special place to while away an hour or two. I went up there for lunch on March 19th after completing a hike lower on the mountain (soon to follow in another soundwalk). I captured a few minutes of audio by the fire and walking around inside the building with the thought that it might make an interesting addition to this Mount Hood series. The mezzanine hosts casual dining, so the ambience is similar to a cafe.
Just a couple days ago news broke that a fire broke out at Timberline Lodge. The lodge posted this bulletin:
On Thursday night, April 18th, at approximately 9:30pm a fire was reported at Timberline Lodge in the headhouse attic and its exterior roof area. First responders were on scene shortly thereafter, extinguishing the fire by approximately 11:00pm. There is an ongoing investigation as to the cause, but it is suspected fireplace embers ignited the roof.
Smoke and fire damage remains confined to the roof, but the extent of water damage isn’t clear. It is perhaps a good sign the Cascade Dining Hall, adjacent the main lobby, opened yesterday for brunch, April 21, 2024.
For this vignette-length soundwalk, I worked with an instrument palette I’ve been favoring for recent work with an overall intent to make the score less dominant, and more spacious. I also automated some sound design EQ sweeps to focus on the sound of the smoldering fire in two passages.
Thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy Timberline Lodge Soundwalk. I think it’s a charming little piece.
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