Silcox Hut

Silcox Hut is a mountain lodge located at 6,950 feet on Mount Hood featuring thick stone walls and heavy timber construction built into the mountainside. The structure was designed to resist extreme wind and heavy snow loads through its solid anchor into the terrain.

Built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration, the structure initially functioned as the upper terminal of the Magic Mile chairlift until its relocation in 1962. This shift in purpose shows how the site's role evolved from transportation to lodging over several decades.

The hut is named after Ferdinand Silcox, the fifth Chief of the Forest Service who championed recreational access to national forests. Visitors can experience how early conservation efforts shaped the mountain experiences available today.

The lodge accommodates up to 24 guests overnight and includes dining facilities, making it suitable for group events and mountain retreats. Visitors should bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear, as the altitude and weather conditions can be demanding.

The interior features a bar made from a 500-year-old Douglas-fir wood slab, an unexpected detail within this mountain setting. The building itself demonstrates remarkable engineering solutions designed to withstand up to 25 feet of compacted snow annually.