A New Chapter for Skyliner Lodge

If you know Skyliner Lodge, you know it’s more than just a building.

Tucked beside Tumalo Creek in the Deschutes National Forest, Skyliner Lodge has been a beloved community space for generations. It’s where thousands of Central Oregon kids have met their first trail, first snowshoe, or first connection to a wilder world. And thanks to a new chapter in its long history, it’s not going anywhere.

Effective July 1, 2025, NatureConnect Central Oregon proudly took over operational and fiscal responsibility of Skyliner Lodge. While the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) maintains its permit, NatureConnect is now responsible for all lodge operations, including rentals for both educational and private events.

This transition marks a milestone not only for our organization, but for the broader Central Oregon community. NatureConnect and our network of partners have used Skyliner Lodge as a home base for outdoor education programs for over a decade. When the opportunity arose to take on this stewardship role, we said yes without hesitation. This place is part of our history, too.

Why Skyliner Lodge Matters

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Skyliner Lodge has deep roots in Central Oregon. It has served as a hub for recreation, education, and community for nearly a century — and for many, it’s a place filled with memories.

We are committed to continuing the lodge’s rich legacy of educational use, with a strong focus on prioritizing youth programs like field trips and summer camps. At the same time, we’ll continue to host private and commercial events — from weddings and celebrations to workshops and meetings — ensuring Skyliner remains a vibrant community hub for all.

What’s Happening Now

Skyliner Lodge is currently open for partner programs, field trips, and community gatherings. And we’ve been working to ensure it continues to serve the community safely and sustainably. We’ve:

• Renewed an agreement with the previous caretakers, Mike and Ruth, who have been living in the upstairs residence of the lodge for over a decade, while caring for the faciiity and grounds
• Coordinated use across our partner network and school groups, scheduling over 100 days of youth program in the first year (so far)
• Begun developing a vision for how Skyliner Lodge can serve as a regional hub for outdoor learning and community connection – opening doors to the outdoors for both students and community members

Thanks to a generous $128,368 grant from the Bend Sustainability Fund, $30,000 from the U.S. Forest Service, and in-kind support from Scott’s Roofing, we are replacing the lodge’s aging roof this August with a fireproof, historically accurate alternative. The construction began on Monday, August 11 and will be completed by the end of the month.  

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to HDESD for their decade of dedicated investment in developing Skyliner Lodge as an invaluable educational space for youth. They have dedicated countless hours of staff time to operating and maintaining the lodge. This new collaboration ensures the magic of Skyliner Lodge will continue for generations to come.

What’s Next

Our vision for Skyliner Lodge includes:

• Hosting year-round outdoor education programs and workshops
• Offering more community events and access for local families – please send us your ideas and dreams!
• Preserving the historic character while making essential upgrades for accessibility and sustainability

We believe that places like Skyliner Lodge are more important than ever. As more kids grow up indoors, we need physical spaces that welcome them into the natural world. This lodge isn’t just a building — it’s a bridge.

We’re proud to steward this next chapter of Skyliner Lodge’s story. And we can’t wait to share what’s ahead.

Save the Date!
Rooftop Revival Party at Skyliner Lodge on Friday, August 29 from 5:30-8:00pm.  We’ll have live music from Chiggi Momo, food, beverages, and kids activities.  $10 suggested donation.