Introduction

Often referred to as the greatest horror film ever, The Shining has captured audiences since its release in 1980. The Shining was destined for cinematic greatness with story writing by Stephen King, directing by Stanley Kubrick, and acting by Jack Nicholson. The film follows a troubled writer, Jack Torrence plagued with writer’s block who takes up a job as the off-season manager of a remote hotel in the mountains. Torrence quickly descends into madness as he is surrounded by supernatural forces that haunt him throughout his stay at the hotel. Each scene of this film is carefully crafted and most notably the opening segment. Kubrick immediately sets the tone of the film with breathtaking shots of the landscape and an eerie musical score. The opening scene concludes bringing viewers to a grand hotel perched underneath the towering mountain. 

It is that exact hotel in which our next Sparked Travel adventure awaits! The hotel is very much a real location and named the Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, Oregon. Not only is this hotel associated with The Shining but it also holds significance to American history within this region. The Timberline Lodge was constructed in 1937 at the height of the Great Depression and its funding actually came from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The New Deal helped fund various projects across the United States aimed at providing stimulation to an otherwise drowning economy. The Timberline Lodge can be considered a great success as it brought together architects, artists, and workers to create this mountain masterpiece. FDR himself, delivered a speech on the lodge grounds recognizing the success of this achievement. The Timberline Lodge would withstand the test of time and become a ski icon of Oregon.

Timberline Lodge

Travelers can book their stay directly through the Timberline Lodge website here but rest assured visitors will face adventure rather than haunted spirits. In fact, when filming the movie, Kubrick was asked not to use the same room number that was used in the novel (Room 217). Instead, he used a room number that doesn’t exist at the hotel to ensure wary guests that these events were strictly film creations. Once your bags find their way to your room, be sure to explore the lodge’s grounds. The hotel does play into some of the film’s references with some Shining themed gifts and even an ax with the iconic phrase “Here’s Johnny” engraved onto it. Although the majority of the movie was filmed on a set, the set design pulled inspiration from the Timberline Lodge itself. For true Shining fanatics, you will be able to see some of the continuity between the actual location and the film’s setting. Be sure to stop by Timberline’s Ram’s Head Bar & Restaurant where the massive stone chimney will keep you cozy while you are enjoying the unbeatable views of Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson.

Mount Hood offers the longest ski season in North America which starts in November and stretches all the way through May. All ski accommodations can be booked through the Timberline Lodge website including lift passes and ski rentals offering a ski experience for all levels. Apart from skiing, Timberline also offers snowcat tours, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. If travelers are visiting during the summer months, Timberline also has expansive hiking trails and mountain bike trails. This adventure is sure to provide some thrills but nothing of the supernatural kind.