Horror Movie Fans Will Love Escaping To This Historic, Spooky Hotel On Oregon's Mount Hood

Well, boys and ghouls, it's officially my favorite time of the year — spooky season. If you're a horror fan looking for the ultimate fall getaway, you luckily don't need to jet off to some remote haunted castle in Europe; instead, hop in your car and head for the misty, snowy slopes of Oregon's Mount Hood. At the base of this towering peak sits one of the most famous (and spookiest) hotels in America: Timberline Lodge.

Perched high on the mountain at 6,000 feet, this historic lodge is best known to horror buffs as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic "The Shining." Its rustic stone exterior looks dramatic and imposing against the swirling fog and snow of Mount Hood, making it the perfect backdrop for one of the creepiest movies of all time. While the majority of the interior was filmed on a set, standing outside Timberline Lodge on a chilly fall evening feels uncannily cinematic — like you've stepped straight into a horror film. Today, guests can enjoy fine-dining, local brews, and easy access to hiking trails or, during winter, world-class skiing. In autumn, the mountain's forests transform into a patchwork of fiery colors, and crisp alpine air adds to the atmosphere.

But don't worry, no axe-wielding caretakers are lurking in the halls of this alpine lodge. In fact, the real Timberline is more cozy than creepy. Built in the 1930s and funded in part by Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration, the lodge is now a National Historic Landmark. Inside, you'll find roaring stone fireplaces, handcrafted wood and ironwork, and warm alpine hospitality. Still, the long hallways, creaking floors, and mountain winds howling outside add just the right touch of spookiness for a Halloween-season escape.

When you step inside Timberline Lodge, the first thing you'll notice is how warm and welcoming it feels compared to its ominous movie reputation. The massive stone fireplaces are the heart of the lodge, and the craftsmanship inside is incredible, with nearly everything built by hand in the 1930s. Room rates here typically range from $200 to $350 per night, with suites and peak ski weekends running higher. Even if you don't book a room, you can still experience the lodge's ambiance by stopping in for a meal, sipping a cocktail by the fire, or browsing the gift shop for Shining-inspired keepsakes. 

Guest rooms vary in style and size, but all of them lean into a rustic, mountain lodge aesthetic. Some rooms are snug and simple, perfect for couples or solo travelers who want an authentic lodge experience, while larger suites and chalet-style accommodations offer more space for families or groups. Fans of "The Shining" may be disappointed to know that the lodge asked Kubrick to change the terrifying hotel room depicted in Stephen King's novel from 217 to the non-existent 237 for fear of scaring customers. Little did they know, horror fans love a good spook while they sleep, and Room 217 has become one of the most requested at the hotel.

With that in mind, reservations for both lodging and dining are strongly encouraged. While workers at the Timberline insist the halls are not haunted, the hotel does lean into their spooky history. This year, on October 24, visitors and guests can join in a frightfully fun evening complete with a scavenger hunt, Bigfoot shootout, a costume contest and parade, and screenings of a few spooky movies, including, of course, "The Shining."

Cozying up next to the stunning fireplace with your favorite horror novel isn't the only bit of fun to be had at the hotel. Aside from its ties to the supernatural, one of the biggest draws to Timberline Lodge is the mountain itself. In winter, the lodge transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the globe to enjoy its 1,685 acres of terrain. Timberline boasts the longest ski season in North America, with lifts often running well into late-spring. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle slopes or an experienced skier chasing powder through the trees, the mountain offers runs for every skill level.

Summer is equally enchanting, with wildflower-filled meadows and crisp mountain air replacing the snow. Visitors can hike miles of scenic trails, some leading directly onto the Pacific Crest Trail, or try mountain biking, birdwatching, and even glacier skiing for those who can't put away their gear. Families can take scenic chairlift rides for unbeatable views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range, while history lovers can join guided tours to learn about the lodge's rich past and WPA-era craftsmanship.

Timberline Lodge sits on the south slope of Mount Hood, about a 90-minute drive from Portland, Oregon. Parking is available at the lodge, though weekends and holidays can get busy, so plan accordingly. For those without a car, shuttle services run from Portland and nearby towns, making it easy to visit Timberline for a day-trip or an overnight stay. Whether you're sipping cider by the fire, hiking misty trails, or imagining the Overlook Hotel lurking in the fog outside, Timberline Lodge is a mountain escape that's equal parts cozy, adventurous, and a little bit eerie.