Portland to Mt. Hood
Welches Oregon
From Portland to Mt. Hood, the legends and lore of the Mt. Hood Territory stretch back to the pioneering days of the Oregon Trail and Barlow Road. The history of Welches, Oregon, and The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is a tale that is both colorful and deeply personal. It is a tradition that has been passed down over three generations and evolves still today.
01/03/20 - Our Watershed efforts are in full force with the salmon spawning run, be sure to check out all the creeks along the trails to see nature at its best! With over 300 acres and multiple creeks and ponds, you're sure to see it all.
The First Resort – “Welches”
In 1882, Samuel Welch and his son Billy purchased 320 acres along the Salmon River, where The Resort now lies. Nearby, Native Americans from many tribes picked huckleberries and hunted deer and elk during the summers. The Welches continued to acquire land in the area until they owned roughly 1,000 acres. In 1893 father and son began the first resort, which was a campground for travelers and vacationers. In 1898 Samuel died and Billy inherited the entire property.
In 1902 Billy leased a parcel of land to two businessmen who built a two-story hotel. This building, known today as “Old Welches Inn Bed & Breakfast,” still resembles how it looked then and can be seen across Welches Road from The Resort’s golf course
In 1909, the two businessmen sold the hotel to Billy, who ran it until 1917. His establishment’s hospitality became well known and people spent summer vacations with Billy and his wife, Jenny. Soon a small community sprang up around the hotel and was called, appropriately, Welches.
In 1928, two golfing enthusiasts – Ralph Shattuck and George Waale – leased Billy’s hayfield and built a nine-hole golf course, making Welches the first golf resort in Oregon. It was The Mt. Hood Golf Course and allowed golfers to play in an unusually picturesque Natural atmosphere. In 1939 the golf course reverted to Billy, and he continued to operate the resort until his death in 1942.
Bowman’s
Billy’s wife sold the property, and it was run by several parties until 1948 when Eugene Bowman acquired it. Eugene and his wife Peggy owned Bowman’s for the next 30 years, adding an additional nine holes of golf, a pool, a sauna, condominiums, and more guest suites. Bowman’s resort was situated on the east side of the present-day resort. The tradition of hospitality begun by the Welches was continued on by the Bowmans and enticed not only golfers but also food lovers as well.
Rippling River Resort
In 1973 American Guaranty Financial Corporation purchased land across Welches Road from Bowman’s and built a lodge, a conference facility, a restaurant, more rental units and a third nine-hole golf course. In 1979 it purchased Bowman’s Resort, merging the two properties and naming it Rippling River Resort.
The Resort at The Mountain
Ed and Janice Hopper bought the resort in 1989 and transformed it into The Resort at The Mountain. With their remodeling efforts came the Scottish theme and tradition. The Resort was sold in December 2007, to Oly-Ida RATM LLC. Y Hospitality RATM LLC took ownership in July 2015. It became the first BW Premier Collection property in North America in October 2015. New ownership, Stanford Oregon Hotel LLC, bought the property in January 2016.
Mt. Hood Oregon Resort
Under Stanford Oregon Hotel LLC, the new name Mt. Hood Oregon Resort was made official in June 2018.
The Wee Burn Stream Restoration Project
In 1995 The Resort formed a partnership with Wolftree and the Mt. Hood National Forest for stream enhancement and re-establishment of fish habitat along the Salmon River and its tributaries, including the Wee Burn, which runs through The Courses at The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort. While the Wee Burn had enjoyed Coho and steelhead in its lower portion for years, it did not have a suitable habitat for the sustained survival of the wild fish due to it being channelized in the early 1900s when the initial golf course was built as well as the fact that in the late 1920s, three small dams were built to create irrigation ponds – thus preventing the fish from reaching the best spawning and rearing habitat in the stream.
In order to encourage a Salmon Habitat to return to the Wee Burn Stream, certain changes and improvements were necessary:
- Create fish access
- Dredge the pond
- Return a meander pattern to parts of the stream
- Add hundreds of Natural logs and boulders in the stream to create Natural structures for the Coho and Steelhead
- Plant thousands of native trees and shrubs, providing fish with more protection and food sources
- Establish long-term maintenance and monitoring to ensure project success
As a result of countless hours from volunteers and experts – including Mt. Hood National Forest, Wolftree, The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CH2M HILL, Trout Unlimited, and the Mt. Hood Mazamas — the Wee Burn saw the wild Coho salmon return in large quantities in the late 1990s. The project also received multiple grants for various project phases.
The Wee Burn project is ongoing. An estimated $350,000+ has been contributed (both cash and in-kind support.) Half of the cost has been borne by The Resort at The Mountain.
Immediate plans include replacing two culverts to help juvenile fish passage more accessible to the Wee Burn. Salmon Riverbank erosion issues will be subsequently worked on. Informational kiosks will be created to help inform and educate the public about these restoration efforts.
Once the restoration is complete, long-term maintenance and monitoring will occur.
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Extensive habitat restoration and environmentally sensitive operations have earned The Courses’ recognition as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Out of 16,000 golf courses in the United States, only 2,300 are certified, and 18 of those located in Oregon. Awarded in 2002, the certification was based on environmental excellence in five categories: Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Integrated Pest Management, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Our Mt. Hood resort enjoys this distinction.
Current Environmental Projects
The Resort has implemented the Salmon River Side Channel Enhancement Project… another way to preserve and protect our Mt. Hood area Natural resources. Floods in 1996 and 1999 caused dramatic erosion in this location that has resulted in a lateral migration of the river. This project involves placing around sixty 35-foot logs and forty to fifty 3-foot by 3-foot boulders into the side channel. The result will be the arresting of further bank erosion presently threatening a buried sewer line that services many local residences, and better habitat for Coho and Steelhead.
If you have a quick question about the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, perhaps you’ll find your answer among these Fast Facts!
Accommodations
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147 air-conditioned guest rooms, suites and villas
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Private patio or deck with views of forest, fairways, mountain vistas and/or pool
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Fireplaces in designated guest rooms (non-wood burning fireplaces)
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Premium bedding wrapped in luxury linens
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Alarm clock
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Rain head shower
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Eco-friendly bath amenities
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Keurig coffee maker
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Mini refrigerator
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Microwave
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Wall-mounted HDTV
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Functional workspace with ergonomic desk chair
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Dual-line speaker telephones
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Free high-speed wired and wireless Internet access (included in daily Resort fee)
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Pet-friendly accommodations available (Fees and restrictions apply)
Dining
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Altitude – Northwest cuisine, incorporating fresh local and regional bounty
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Mallards Café & Pub – familiar, casual dining serving lunch and dinner meals daily in comfortable surroundings (open seasonally)
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Guest Services
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Self-parking
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Business center
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ATM (located in the Main lobby and Mallards)
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In room safes
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Self-serve laundry
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Riverstone Gift Gallery
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Golf Pro Shop
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Daily Mt. Hood Express™ shuttles to local ski and activity areas
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100% non-smoking facility
Recreation
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27-hole golf course (The Courses) – three distinct nines
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The Spa
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Two tennis courts
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Full court basketball
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Hiking and nature trails
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Croquet Lawn
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Lawn Bowling Lanes
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Volleyball Sand Court
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Horseshoe Court
Meetings and Social Events
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15,000 square feet of flexible interior function space, including 6,800 square foot ballroom
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Multiple outdoor pavilions, picnic and recreation areas with scenic views for group use
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Thirteen meeting, banquet and hospitality rooms – accommodating from 5 to 750 guests
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Free high-speed wired and wireless Internet access
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On-site audiovisual equipment
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Team-building activities
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Conference planning on site
The Best of the Mt. Hood Territory and Beyond
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42 miles (57 minutes) from Portland International Airport
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Skiing/boarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing (winter and spring)
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Rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking (summer and fall)
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Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Park
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Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum
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Vineyards, wineries and micro-breweries
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Mt. Hood Summer Adventure Park at Skibowl
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World renown Columbia River windsurfing
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End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
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Local farms and flower gardens
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Mt. Hood Loop
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Mt. Hood Railroad
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Multnomah Falls
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Museum of the Oregon Territory
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Rainbow Trout Farm
Have a question about your upcoming stay at The Resort? You may just find the answer here.
About our facility
What do I need to know about parking at The Resort?
Self-parking is available and is included in the daily $30.00 Resort Fee.
Can I work out at The Resort?
Most certainly you can. The fitness center, located in The Spa building, is open daily 6 AM – 10 PM. (Currently under Construction)
Does The Resort offer adjoining guest rooms?
Yes. Only Fireside and Double Queen standard rooms connect.
What type of beds may I expect at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort?
Premium bedding wrapped in luxury linens.
Are cribs available?
Yes. At no charge.
Is there a charge for an ‘extra’ adult to stay in a Resort guest room?
Yes. $20 per night.
Are rollaway beds available?
Yes, in select rooms (King, Fireside, Suites, or Villas only). For $20 per night. Check with the front desk agent upon check-in.
Does The Resort have designated non-smoking guest rooms?
Yes. All accommodations are non-smoking.
Is there shopping at The Resort?
Oh yes. You can browse and shop in three separate and distinct areas. For three totally different types of products and merchandise. At Riverstone Gift Gallery. At the Golf Pro Shop at The Courses. And at The Spa.
What about my pets? Are they welcome?
Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is a dog-friendly hotel. A limited number of dog-friendly rooms are available in Building #2 and subject to first come, first served. Fee is $30 per room per night maximum $150. One or two dogs may share their human companion’s room. Any other pets must be approved through by the Resort. Under no circumstances may dogs be left unattended. Pets are not allowed in the pool or pool area and must be leashed in all public areas.
What else should I know?
- There is an ATM located by Riverstone Gift Gallery.
- When at The Resort, where best do I go to find out about activities and ‘stuff’ to do at The Resort?
- Stop by the Front Desk or the golf shop. View exactly where it is on the property map.
How can I get to the ski area from The Resort?
There are seven buses per day during ski season and six during summer months for hiking and biking. The buses have ski and snowboard racks in winter. And they tow a bike trailer during the summer. Tickets are $2 each way, please have exact change.
About our services
Are Resort gift cards available for purchase?
Indeed, they are. Gift cards are available for purchase at either the Front Desk, Spa Reception Desk or at the Golf Shop. Resort gift cards are applicable for all products and services throughout the property. You may also call 503-622-3101. Or email at info@mthood-resort.com
Does The Resort offer laundry/valet service?
No. However there are self-serve laundry facilities in each guest room building.
Where can I find the hotel’s Business Center?
The Resort’s Business Center is in the lobby, accessible 24/7. Guest access to a printer, computer and house phone is part of the daily Resort Fee.
Does The Resort have a Family Plan?
Yes. Children 17 years and younger stay free in guest room of accompanying parent or guardian. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool/hot tub area.
About our policies
Is there a minimum age to rent a room?
Yes. Any guest renting a room at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort must be at least 18 years of age with valid ID and credit card.
What is The Resort’s Cancellation/No Show policy?
Reservations may be cancelled without consequence until 24 hours before the day of arrival. Different cancellation policies may apply to packages and special offers. Failure to adhere to policy will result in a non-refundable charge of one night's stay.
What are check-in and checkout times?
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m.
Checkout time is 11:00 a.m.
Does The Resort have a Guarantee/Deposit policy?
Yes. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.
What happens if I don’t arrive for my confirmed guest room reservation?
There is a No-Show Charge. One night’s room rate plus tax will be charged to your credit card on file.
About methods of payment
What do I need to know about taxes?
Occupancy tax is 7.5% and CAT is 0.57% per room per night not included in the room rate.
What are the accepted credit cards at The Resort?
The following credit cards are accepted
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
If you use a Debit Card, the authorization charge of $25.00 per day will be put on the card by the Front Desk; this will take a minimum 7-10 Business Days to release the money back into your account based on your financial institution.
Tell me about the Resort Fee. What does it include?
The $25 daily Resort Fee includes:
- 24/7 access to Business Center
- Guest room Internet and local calls
- Use of sports equipment, including:
- 18-hole putting course
- Casual croquet lawns
- Lawn bowling
- Tennis rackets and balls
- Volleyball, football and badminton sets
- Backgammon, chess, checkers, poker chips and games
- Self-parking
In the heart of Oregon high country, tucked among the lush evergreen forests and rugged mountains of the Willamette Valley, The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort is “Mt. Hood’s Premier Resort Destination.” Surrounded by pristine landscapes, with spectacular views in every direction, it’s all here: Unlimited recreation and games. A sparkling outdoor pool heated to perfection during the winter. The best 27 holes of golf in the Mt. Hood Territory.
Every detail of The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort has been carefully crafted to provide everything you need for an unforgettable stay.
Amenities
- Year round heated outdoor pool
- Outdoor whirlpool spa
- Business center with Internet-equipped computer and fax and printing capability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary parking
- Pet-friendly accommodations and amenities (fee applies, $30.00 Per Night)
- 18-hole lighted putting course (The Greens)
- Horseshoe pitch
- Sand volleyball and badminton courts
- Basketball Court
- Children’s playground
- Croquet and lawn bowling court