The Sahale Lodge was formally dedicated earlier this month in a ceremony attended by elected officials, representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, USFS officials, special invited guests, the Mt. Hood Meadows board and team members. The 24,000 square foot lodge houses the Meadows Learning Center and equipment rentals on the first floor, and two restaurants a slope side bar and grand seating area on the second floor. It also serves admirably as a wedding and conference center during the non-winter operating months.
Construction began on the building in April 2019 and was completed in time for this past season. With COVID restricting indoor gathering, Sahale provided grab and go dining options and the magnificent outdoor deck served as a slope side gathering place throughout the season.
The dedication ceremony started with a blessing from former Chair of the Warm Springs Tribal Council Ron Suppah and was followed by remarks by Mt. Hood Meadows CEO and Chairman of the Board Matthew Drake, Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas and lead architect John Williamson of LRS Architects.
Deputy Forest Supervisor Gar Abbbas presented a certificate of appreciation to long-time Meadows employee Steve Warila for his 47 years of service in mountain operations. Abbas was accompanied by Mt. Hood National Forest District Ranger Kameron Sam and Mountain Resort Team Manager Scott Kaden in recognizing Warila’s amazing career and crediting him for “warmly welcoming and providing assistance to more than 30 forest service personnel.” Warila continues to serve Meadows on a part time basis.
The event ended with a passionate message from Chief Delvis Heath, hereditary Chief of the Warm Springs, who spoke of sharing the land with all who seek to learn and recreate, which echoed the Sahale welcome message, “Dedicated to adventure seekers and passionate explorers who strive to learn and grow through shared outdoor experiences on this sacred mountain.”
The dedication was part of a weekend of celebration that included the annual board meeting so board members could experience first-hand the grandeur and functionality of the Sahale Lodge which facilitated meetings, luncheons, receptions and the formal dinner.
