Here's a wonderful and developing story that's going to warm your heart about the Santiam Pass Ski Lodge in Sisters, Oregon. Way back in 1939, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a ski lodge in Oregon in the High Cascades. The purpose of this lodge was to expand recreational opportunities for Oregonians in these mountains. Built over a seven-month period on Santiam Pass along U.S. Route 20, it was completed in February 1940. After many years of use, the abandoned ski lodge was left to decay in 1987 - until now. Over the past few years, hard-working volunteers have begun to renovate this lodge and hope to have it back open to the public soon. Read on to learn more about this abandoned ski lodge in Oregon and its interesting story.

The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge is a beautiful building. This photo was taken soon after its construction, which cost $22,000 to build at that time, in the winter of 1940.

This lodge was an important player in the recreation of thousands of people over the decades.

In its early years, the Santiam Pass Ski Lodge was operated by a council of representatives of outdoor groups from local cities, and meals and lodging were overseen by the U.S. Forest Service.

The very first year brought more than 10,000 people to visit the lodge to ski and participate in other outdoor recreational activities.

The Santiam Pass Ski Lodge was popular, but it turns out that it was a bit low on the mountain for a ski lodge - there often wasn't enough snow for skiing.

As a result, by 1958, the U.S. Forest Service turned it over to the Presbyterian Church Council to use for a year-round youth camp. It continued to be used for that purpose until 1987 when the camp outgrew the space.

From that point forward, the building was vacant and nobody cared for it as these Santiam Pass Ski Lodge photos show.

In 2003, it almost became a victim of the Booth and Bear Complex Fires, but the abandoned ski lodge was protected by wildfire firefighters.

As three decades passed, the abandoned ski lodge in Oregon continued to crumble and decay as rain, snow, and wind beat upon the structure.

In 1988, Cathy Linberg began to pursue National Register of Historic Places status for the Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, which was finally granted in 2018.

In 2017, a group called Friends of Santiam Pass Ski Lodge was formed, spearheaded by Dwight and Susan Sheets.

They developed a plan to bring one of the abandoned places near me back to its former glory.

The group has been working to restore the Santiam Pass Ski Lodge since 2019, which is happening in three phases over many years.

Phase One is dedicated to securing the main structure and improving the exterior of the building, Phase Two involves the renovation of the interior, and Phase Three will revitalize the trails, landscaping, and outbuildings.

This is the original CCC-built lodge sign from 1939, which was found under the timbers of the front porch of a nearby cabin.

Maybe someday it will identify this abandoned ski lodge yet again.

This renovation project is huge with so many people involved in making it happen, and most of them are volunteers.

They've come a long way since 2019, but there's still a long way to go. If you're interested, Friends of Santiam Lodge is always looking for more helpers on this gigantic project. Donations are welcome, too.

Overall, the project is estimated to cost at least $2.5M to $3M.

When the renovation is complete, the lodge will again be open to the public for recreational use.

Inside we'll find a small cafe and a gift shop to help offset costs of managing the property.

The lodge will also be available as a venue rental, but there are no plans to offer overnight lodging facilities.

This picture is of the Great Room and the original fireplace on the main floor of the lodge.

This entry staircase is one of the group's more recent successes in the renovation project.

Isn't it beautiful? It will be amazing to see this place when the whole project is complete.

As of Sept. 25, 2023, the front porch gable had shakes installed, a new partnership sign was hung, the dining hall was cleared, and the paneling was removed in preparation for the roof.

The roofers moved to the back roof of the main lodge.

The masonry work of the foundation continued, and work on the firebox began. In addition, the project was in line for well drilling.

By the end of 2023, much of the restoration had been completed - and we can't wait to see the finished product!

The continuing story of this loving project is available on the Friends of Santiam Pass Ski Lodge website, where you can find updates, grant information, and how to help. This story is an uplifting one and is real evidence that Oregonians can accomplish anything they take on. Visit the Facebook page for more Santiam Pass Ski Lodge photos. This lodge is historic and unique, and it's exciting to know that it likely has a long future ahead of it - thanks to the dedicated folks who have decided to give their time, effort, and funds to bring it back to life. It's certainly an important piece in the history of skiing in Oregon.

While you're in Sisters, reserve a charming cottage or spacious loft. And for those interested in learning about other abandoned buildings in Oregon, take this thrilling road trip.