Timberline Lodge
"Here's Johnny!" Well, your concierge, actually; make sure you tip him well as you are about to take a room in the gorgeous and ghoulish Timberline Lodge, the location for the classic horror film, The Shining.
Joking aside, this incredible structure was built entirely by hand in the 1930s, and it remains a unique architectural achievement to this day.
Timberline's exterior shots were used in The Shining Movie to portray the Overlook Hotel.
Otherwise, the film was shot almost entirely at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England.
During winter, the snowfall can be so heavy it covers almost the entire building - and remind you of the last scenes of The Shining film. If you've seen the 1980s movie, you'll recognize Timberline Lodge.
The volcanic mountain Mount Hood, east of Portland, rises like a giant monument in the background of the capital. Up at 11,250 feet (3,429 meters), there is snow all year round, where you can ski.
The surrounding area is also perfect for long walks. In addition, the distance to the big city of Portland is just under an hour of drive.
The Overlook Hotel from The Shining movie
The building was used as the exterior of The Overlook Hotel - the haunted hotel in the film.
The movie is based on the novel The Shining by Stephen King.
The hotel requested not to depict room number 217 for fear of guests not wanting to stay there, so Kubrick used room number 237 in his film.
Ironically, the most often requested room at Timberline Lodge is 237. A lost marketing opportunity, it seems!
The historic hotel Timberline Lodge, made world-famous through the film The Shining, is a great starting point for tours in the area but also a destination in itself.
Your room is decorated in keeping with the 1930s architecture. All the furniture is hand-made and handcrafted. Or you could stay in the chalet just feet away from the hotel's indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
But you don't want to spend all day indoors when you have the adventure of Mount Hood on your doorstep.
Instead, you could take the Timberline Trail hike around the mountain, built and maintained entirely by volunteers.
I must tell you more about Mount Hood. Mountaineers of all levels have the chance to attempt its 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) peak. Be careful, though. Since 1897, 130 people have died attempting the feat.
So maybe it would be better to take the Magic Mile Sky ride right to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views that way – much safer.
Fortunately, Jack Torrance is no longer living here...
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" - The Shining © Warner Bros. Pictures.
