Skyliner Lodge

Updated 1/25/25

 

NatureConnect Central Oregon is leading a community effort to ensure that Skyliner Lodge is accessible for community use with the transition with High Desert Education Service District.  High Desert ESD has been in a long-term lease with the U.S. Forest Service and is no longer able to support the maintenance cost and operational needs of the lodge.  We are incredibly grateful to High Desert ESD for stewarding the lodge for over a decade and making it available to educational programs.

 

NatureConnect is currently in conversation with both High Desert ESD and the U.S. Forest Service to find a solution that will allow community use to continue without a lapse in service.  While we don’t have a finalized plan, we are hopeful that we will have a solution by mid- to late-February.

 

One of the biggest hurdles we face is in funding the cost of a new roof.  The roof needs to replaced in the next 1-2 years and is very costly because the lodge is a historic building and the materials need to be fire resistant.  We plan to have a dedicated fundraising page for the roof soon.  Please check back for updates.  If you’d like to support this effort, please reach out to Katie Chipko at [email protected].

Come experience a magical day at Skyliner Lodge with your family! Join us for fort building, snowshoeing, art activities, and s’mores!

 

We have a fun schedule of activities and families are welcome to come for the entire event, or attend part of it. Our schedule for February 22 is:

1:00-2:00 Fort building with Wildheart Nature School

2:00-2:45

  • Littles: Nature art with NatureConnect
  • Bigs: Guided snowshoe with Discover Your Forest

2:45-3:30

  • Littles: Guided snowshoe with Discover Your Forest
  • Bigs: Nature art with NatureConnect

3:30-4:00 S’mores Bar

 

Tickets available on a sliding scale from $15-$35/person.  Purchase tickets here.

More About Skyliner Lodge

 

Skyliner Lodge is a historic gem located along the Tumalo Creek in Deschutes National Forest.  It was completed in 1937 and is significant as an intact example of WPA log architecture in the region.  Skyliner Lodge was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978.

 

Since High Desert ESD has been leasing the lodge, it has become a popular venue for field trips, summer camps, meetings, weddings, and more.  The lodge is used an average of 150 days/year for youth programs (field trips, summer camps) and supports students from across Bend-La Pine and Redmond School Districts.  Additionally, the lodge has become a unique wedding venue over the last 10 years, averaging 35 weddings per year.

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Tumalo Creek 2
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