Facility Details - TILLY JANE A-FRAME, OR

Overview

Tilly Jane A-frame is an ideal getaway for individuals, groups and families who enjoy the great outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The facility is one of the oldest structures on Mt. Hood and is a popular cabin used by winter recreationists. Peak season for use of the cabin is usually December through March. It provides access to scenic terrain, specifically hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing activities.

During the summer months the A-frame is easily accessed by taking a short, 1,320-foot walk through the Tilly Jane Campground. During the winter months it serves as a winter retreat for persons hardy enough to make the effort to get to the cabin from the Tilly Jane Sno-park. Winter conditions often exist for nine months of the year. Visitors can ski to the cabin following a 9-mile, gently sloping road, or ski the Tilly Jane Trail, which is roughly 2.7 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. Skis or snowshoes are highly recommended.

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The A-frame is located high on the north side of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 5,900 feet. It is one of five structures in the area, built in the late-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District. The facility is surrounded by old growth trees near the tree line. It is operated and maintained by the Oregon Nordic Club, under a permit from the Forest Service. A cook shed is adjacent to the A-frame, but has been condemned by the Forest Service.

Recreation:

Visitors must either hike, snowshoe or cross country ski to the facility and such activities abound in the surrounding area. Multiple trails can be accessed from the A-frame, some of which are well-marked and others covered by snow most of the year.

Nearby trails offer a variety of day trips, including to the Cooper Spur Stone Shelter, which is on the northeast side of Mt. Hood. Great views of the majestic Mt. Hood can often be seen along the trail.

Facilities:

The 24-by-48, two-story structure has a sleeping loft, accessed by a ladder, that can accommodate up to 20 people. More than one group may reserve the facility at the same time. It is equipped with picnic tables and several benches and a wood stove for heat and cooking.

In warmer months, a freshwater spring can be found 100 feet from the cabin. Pots are provided within the A-frame to melt snow for drinking water. A primitive outhouse with a pit toilet is provided not far from the cabin.

Guests will need to bring sleeping bags and pads, warm clothing, lanterns and flashlights, cooking stoves and fuel, as well as toilet paper, matches or a lighter, and a shovel, among other necessities. Firewood and wood splitting tools may be available, but are not guaranteed.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Amphitheater Axe Backpacking Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cross Country Skiing Firewood Group Camping Hiking	Historic Sites Lodging Pit Toilets Propane Lantern Skiing Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Trailheads Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

The cabin lock information is within the "Security Alerts" section of your confirmation letter.
This is the Tilly Jane A-frame located in the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, not the Tilly Jane Guard Station
Drinking water is not available at the A-frame; in the winter, melt snow and at other times, a spring can be access 100 feet from the facility
Guests must walk a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) to the site
Winter conditions exist nine months of the year; winter access is either by a 9-mile gently sloping trail or a 2.7-mile climb of 1,900 feet in elevation, both are good runs for moderate skiers
Be prepared for extreme winter weather conditions; guests should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills
A permit is required to park at Tilly Jane Sno-Park; these can be purchased at the Hood River Ranger Station or at several other locations in the Columbia Gorge Area (click here for more information
There is no electricity, water or sewer hookups at this facility
While at the A-Frame, be sure to carry your confirmation email or letter; unauthorized use cannot be prevented otherwise
The lookout remains locked; email tillyjanecabin@gmail.com or contact the Hood River Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, the facility is available for day use; a $5 donation can be placed in the lockbox to support maintenance and firewood costs
Pets are not allowed at the A-frame
Learn more about the Mt. Hood National Forest

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.39889, -121.64806
45°23'56"N, 121°38'53"W

From Hood River, Oregon, travel south on Highway 35 for 8.5 miles, past the Hood River Ranger Station. Look for the Cooper Spur Inn sign and turn right off Highway 35, just north of Olallie Trailhead, onto Forest Road 3510 and drive to Copper Spur Inn. Turn left at the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Road 3512. The first trailhead is just past the intersection with Forest Service Road 620, with parking on the right and the trail on the left side of the road. This is the trailhead that is used in the winter to ski to and from the cabin. Most visitors ski the Cloud Cap Road to the Tilly Jane Campground.

The second trailhead is at the Tilly Jane Campground, at the end of the long, winding Cloud Cap Road 3512 and the short Spur Road 630. From the Tilly Jane Campground, take the Tilly Jane Trail 600B a short distance to its intersection with the Tilly Jane A-frame.

The safest way to ski down is the Cloud Cap Road (Forest Service Road 3512). This can be a long (8.5 miles), miserable slog if there is soft snow. The Old Wagon Road shortens this distance by about 4 to 5 miles, but involves steep slopes in the upper section of the road. The shortest route and probably the safest in poor snow conditions is to walk down the Tilly Jane Ski Trail, a distance of 2.7 miles.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

TILLY JANE A-FRAME
Hood River Ranger Station - 6780 Highway 35
Parkdale OR 97041

Phone Number:

Project Office:(541)352-6002

Special Events:

The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.

Annual Work Party is held on the 1st Saturday in October every year. on Oct 06 2012

TILLY JANE A-FRAME, OR