History of Silcox Hut

Silcox Hut, located at 7,000 ft. elevation about a mile above Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, was built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA). The CCC was a voluntary government work relief program that ran during the Great Depression. Many of these CCC workers had assisted with building Timberline Lodge a couple of years prior, so they were familiar with building the hut in a similar rustic style that incorporated large amounts of stone. The structure was originally built as a warming hut to serve skiers, mountain climbers, and any other visitors to the Timberline area. In the main room is an L-shaped counter that was built out of logs and used as a concession stand. Placed inside Silcox Hut is a special bronze plaque that is dedicated to Ferdinand A. Silcox, who was Chief of the Forest Service from 1933 to 1939. Silcox promoted construction of large public recreation facilities on national forests and advocated for areas like Timberline Lodge.
Silcox Hut also held the upper point of the Magic Mile chairlift. Although the Magic Mile lift was removed in 1962, Silcox Hut represents several notable and historical achievements. The Magic Mile lift was the first chairlift built using steel towers and the second ever chairlift in the United States. The construction of this lift was no small feat, evidenced by the fact that Crown Prince Olav of Norway came to speak at the chairlift’s dedication.
Silcox Hut is still used today as a bed and breakfast and wedding venue. Visitors can rent the hut through Timberline Lodge.