Cloud Cap Inn, Mountain hut in Mount Hood National Forest, United States
Cloud Cap Inn is a crescent-shaped log building with shake roofing situated at 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) on Mount Hood's northeastern side. The structure covers roughly 325 square meters (3,500 square feet) and now serves as an operational base for mountain rescue activities.
The building opened in 1889 as an upscale mountain lodge designed by architect William Whidden and commissioned by William Ladd and Charles Wood. Over time it shifted from a destination resort into a simpler shelter, eventually becoming the base for mountain rescue operations.
The building's name comes from the frequent clouds that envelope the high elevation during much of the year, a reminder of the dramatic shifts in weather visitors encounter at this altitude. The log construction and simple furnishings reflect the practical needs of mountain travelers rather than luxury seekers.
Access to the lodge is only possible during warmer months, as snow and severe weather make most visits impossible in winter. Visitors should prepare for harsh mountain conditions and bring sturdy footwear and proper weatherproof clothing.
The building received telephone lines in 1894, making it one of the earliest high-altitude locations in Oregon with telecommunications access. This cumbersome connection to the outside world was a remarkably rare luxury in remote mountain areas at that time.
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