NEW STOVE, NEW AGREEMENT, NEW SYSTEM

The Portland Chapter will continue to operate the historic Tilly Jane A-Frame structure in a partnership with the Mount Hood National Forest, or MHNF.  A new one-year Granger-Thye agreement was signed this Fall with the Hood River Ranger District of MHNF.  The locking of the A-Frame’s doors is a provision of the new agreement.

Portland Chapter purchased a new woodstove for the A-Frame!  A large Avalon Olympic model will provide essential warmth to guests during their visits to the 73-year old shelter, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981.  The much worn out stove that was replaced also dated to about 1981.  As part of a complete and safe system, the Chapter purchased new Class-A chimney and stovepipe for the long term benefit of cabin users.   Installation by a certified contractor out of White Salmon was covered by the Hood River Ranger District.

Reservations are required for all overnight stays at the Tilly Jane A-Frame and must be paid in advance.  A new system is now in place for making reservations at this federally-owned facility under the National Recreation Reservation System. You may visit the “Tilly Jane” page on the www.recreation.gov website or www.reserveamerica.com site and search under “Mount Hood National Forest”.

Maximum occupancy is limited to 20 persons per night.  Overnight guest fee per person is $15 each night.  Dogs are not allowed.  Visitor fees cover firewood and minor maintenance expenses.

Tilly Jane A-Frame weekends that are exclusive to the Portland Chapter and guests for work parties have been scheduled for the December 30-January 1 weekend and  the weekends of March 2-4  and April 6-8.  Many other weekend and midweek dates are still open for reserving, so check the above websites. 

Originally built for winter users in 1939 and called the “Tilly Jane Warming Hut”, this one-and-one-half story historic structure is situated in the Mount Hood Wilderness Area.  The log structure is a remarkable example of the rustic “Cascadian” architectural style that became emblematic of the most rustic craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the region.  Timberline Lodge is another such example on a grander scale.  The 1,900-foot climb in about 3-miles up the “Tilly Jane Ski Trail” (FS Trail #643) requires planning, snowshoes or climbing skins on your skis and a likely a return to the Cooper Spur Sno-Park area via a more gradual route.