History of Olallie Meadows Resort, Cabin and Guard Station

In 1910 the Olallie Meadow Cabin was built. It became the primary residence for any Forest Service personnel put in charge of protecting the area, and therefore was an administrative building. In 1920, the first road to accommodate automobiles in the Clackamas Ranger District was constructed and named the Skyline Trail. By 1925 it was able to reach Olallie Meadow. Today, the cabin is the only pre-Depression-era ranger station on the Clackamas River Ranger District, and along with Bagby is among only two log cabins located in the Mount Hood National Forest that are still standing. During the 1960s many were torn down due to lack of funds for maintenance and repair.

 

The Olallie Guard Station was opened in 1932. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps with a detached office and living quarters. It is one story with a rectangular floor plan. Because most work shifted into the guard station, the cabin was used more as a work station and a place for visitors to sleep.

 

Olallie Lake Resort was quickly opened after the ranger station in 1933. The site includes a kitchen and store as well as a three guest cabins. There were seven more cabins built in the 1940s. Today, the resort is privately owned and operated with a special use permit from the Forest Service. Due to the construction of the Skyline Road, the meadow was much more accessible making it a destination for those wishing to find a place to relax and explore.