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Timberline Lodge Catches Fire: News Release

Friday, April 19, 2024
by Liz Warren
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
Forest Service News Release
 
Quick response by local fire departments minimizes damage to iconic Timberline Lodge 
 
Sandy, Ore. (April 19, 2024) – Last night, fire departments from the Mt. Hood area and beyond responded to a three-alarm fire at historic Timberline Lodge. The fire departments, in coordination with Timberline Lodge employees, were quick to suppress the fire and ensure public and hotel guest safety. Although damage assessments have not yet begun, these efforts minimized the fire’s spread and prevented what could have been greater damages and losses.  
 
The Forest Service is participating in the fire investigations with other federal law enforcement. Timberline Lodge and ski area, as well as the upper portion of Timberline Access Road are currently closed.  
 
Responding agencies included Hoodland Fire District, Clackamas Fire Department, Estacada Fire District, Gresham Fire Department, Portland Fire and Rescue, and Oregon State Fire Marshal.  
 
“We extend the deepest gratitude to all of the fire departments that responded so quickly to extinguish the fire at Timberline Lodge”, said Meta Loftsgaarden, Forest Supervisor for the Mt. Hood National Forest. “We know Timberline Lodge holds a special place in the fabric of Oregon’s and the nation’s history and culture. Structural assessments of the damages caused to the lodge as well as the cherished works inside of it will begin as soon as they safely can.”   
 
Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Timberline Lodge is one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing nearly two million visitors every year. Timberline Lodge operates under a special use permit issued by the Mt. Hood National Forest. Built during the Great Depression using craftspeople, artists, and workers employed through the Works Progress Administration and other New Deal programs, it continues to serve as an iconic ski lodge and mountain retreat.  
 
Additional updates will be provided as they become available. Reopening information and hours of operations for Timberline Lodge and the ski area are at:
 
###
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 
Firefighters responding to Timberline Lodge fire overnight, April 18, 2024
 
Photo showing damage to the attic of Timberline’s Lodge caused by last night’s fire.
 
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
 
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What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market On Mt. Hood?

Thursday, March 21, 2024
by Liz Warren

What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?



 

If you’re planning to move soon, you might be wondering if there'll be more homes to choose from, where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate today’s market. If so, here's what the professionals are saying about what’s in store for this season.

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American:

“. . . it seems our general expectation for the spring is that we will see a pickup in inventory. In fact, that already seems to be happening. But it won’t necessarily be enough to satiate demand.”

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Bright MLS:

“There is still strong demand, as the large millennial population remains in the prime first-time homebuying range.”

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com:

“Where we are right now is the best of both worlds. Price increases are slowing, which is good for buyers, and prices are still relatively high, which is good for sellers.”

Skylar Olsen, Chief Economist, Zillow:

“There are slightly more homes for sale than this time last year, and there is still plenty of competition for well-priced houses. Buyers should prep their credit scores and sellers should prep their properties now, attractive listings are going pending in less than a month, and time on market will shrink in the weeks ahead.”

Jiayi Xu, Economist, Realtor.com:

“While mortgage rates remain elevated, home shoppers who are looking to buy this spring could find more affordable homes on the market than they saw at the same time last year. Specifically, there were 20.6% more homes available for sale ranging between $200,000 and $350,000 in February 2024 than a year ago, surpassing growth in other price ranges.”

If you’re looking to sell, this spring might be your sweet spot because there just aren’t many homes on the market. Sure, inventory is rising, but it’s nowhere near enough to meet today’s buyer demand. That’s why they’re still selling so quickly.

If you’re looking to buy, the growing number of homes for sale this spring means you’ll have more choices than this time last year. But be prepared to move quickly since there’ll be plenty of competition with other buyers.

Bottom Line

No matter what you're planning, let’s team up to confidently navigate the busy spring housing market.

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New Buyer and Seller Guides for Mt. Hood

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
by Liz Warren

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New Years Celebration at Mt. Hood's Ski Bowl

Sunday, December 31, 2023
by Liz Warren

Ski Bowl Info for Tonight's Celebration straight from their website!

NEW YEAR'S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA

 

 24th Annual New Year's Eve Extravaganza

New Year’s Eve at Skibowl is always the biggest party on Mt. Hood with music, a slope side beer garden, and the 24th annual fireworks extravaganza at midnight, and lifts in operation till 2 am. This year, the celebration will be expanded to include a popular afternoon rail jam and a pre-fireworks Torchlight Parade down the Lower Bowl. The Pyramids and Prophecy Rail Jam, sponsored by Atmosphere Clothing, will take place from 1-3pm with awards from 4-5pm in the Beer Stube.  Entertaining for spectators and exciting for participants, all riders will compete for great gear and prizes. The Torchlight Parade will feature members of the Mt. Hood Ski Race Team, the “home” ski team, along with Government Camp community leaders. Skiing together in formation, they will dramatically illuminate the darkened Lower Bowl. The parade along with the fireworks display will be visible from the Skibowl base area, which is  just a few steps from the parking lot.   However, another popular place to viewing site is from the Historic Mid-Mountain Warming Hut. If you aren't a skier or rider, you can enjoy the night with Cosmic Tubing from 7 pm - 12 am at the Skibowl Snow Tube Park. There is no charge for the fireworks display, but parked cars will require a Sno-Park permit.  Guests often walk from town or ride the Collins Lake Resort shuttles. Skibowl is America’s Largest Night Ski Area, with 34 lit runs and two fully lit terrain parks.  Skibowl also offers more black diamond runs than any other resort in Oregon and is the closet ski resort to Portland. Fireworks at Midnight
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Climbing on Mt. Hood? You'll need a Permit Starting January 1

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
by Liz Warren

 

Press release from the Mt. Hood National Forest

 

 
Climbing permit required above 9,500 ft. starting January 1;
Funds to support climber services and safety
 
Beginning January 1, 2024, Mt. Hood climbers traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation will need a climbing permit. The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit will be available for purchase as a single trip 3-day pass for $20, or an annual pass for $50. Permit fees will fund additional climbing rangers, climbing safety information, and natural resources protection.
 
Why do we need a climbing permit?
  • Mt. Hood’s popularity as a climbing destination has resulted in public health and safety issues, including increased technical search and rescue operations and human waste in sensitive ecosystems. The Mt. Hood climbing ranger program needs financial support to help manage and address these issues.
  • Many peaks in the Cascades Range already have a required climbing permit fee, including Mt. Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Shasta. Permit fees help the Forest Service and National Park Service manage climbing opportunities for the benefit of the public.
 
Who needs a climbing permit?
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, a climbing permit will be required for anyone traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. Timberline Trail, forest trailheads, and all of the ski areas on Mt. Hood are below this elevation and don't require a climbing permit.
  • There is no limit on the number of climbing permits issued.
 
How does the climbing permit work? How do I buy a permit?
  • The Forest will offer a single trip 3-day permit and an annual permit. Single trip climbers will select a 3-day window for their climbing permit to allow for climbing in safer conditions if one day of the window has poor conditions.
  • Single trip 3-day permits are $20. Annual permits are $50 and are good for 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • Permits will be for sale on www.recreation.gov starting January 1, 2024. 
  • Climbers will be able to purchase permits online up to the start of their climb (no advance reservations required).
  • You can save a digital pass to your mobile device or print a copy and bring it with you.
  • 9,500 ft. is well above all of the ski areas and the Timberline Trail. A climbing permit will only be required for those traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. On the South Climbing Route, 9,500 ft. is roughly at the top of Triangle Moraine.     
 
What should new climbers know before attempting to summit Mt. Hood?
  • Every route on Mt. Hood is a technical climb requiring appropriate experience and equipment.
  • Mt. Hood is not an appropriate first peak for those new to alpine climbing. New climbers should consider a less technical peak or a guided trip on Mt. Hood.
  • Pre-trip planning and preparation is essential for any climb on Mt. Hood. This is not a mountain you can just “show up” and hike to the summit.
  • Additional climber information is available on the Mt. Hood National Forest and Portland Mountain Rescue websites.
 
Where will the permit money go?
Permit fees will directly fund the Mt. Hood climbing program. Among other improvements, permit fees will be used to:
  • Hire additional climbing rangers to increase climbing ranger patrol along popular routes.
  • Increase climbing conditions reports & other public climbing condition information.
  • Improve climber safety education.
  • Reduce human impacts on the natural landscape.
 
 
Sample annual climbing permit
 
Get more info!
 
Thinking of climbing Mt. Hood in 2024? Visit our website to get more information:
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STR Owners on Mt. Hood Need to Register Their Units by December 6, 2023

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
by Liz Warren

This information is direct from Clackamas County's website concerning unincorporated Clackamas County STR's registration information.

Short-term rental (STR) owner/operator registration form now online

Date

Deadline Dec. 6; Only STRs in unincorporated areas affected

The registration form for owners/operators of short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Clackamas

County is now online at www.clackamas.us/str.

In September, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved STR rules and regulations after

two public hearings were held on the issue. The regulations take effect after 90 days from that time,

meaning that applications are due to Clackamas County by end of day on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Registration forms at www.clackamas.us/str can be completed and emailed into [email protected] 

or mailed to the county’s finance department:

  Clackamas County Finance Department 
   c/o STR Registration
   Suite 490
   2051 Kaen Road
   Oregon City, OR 97045

Registration forms can also be delivered in person to the finance department as well. Appointments

can be made by emailing [email protected].

Within 30 days after receiving an accurate and complete registration form, county staff will provide

registration confirmation.

Per the regulations, registration for owners/operators is mandated. No STR may be publicly advertised

for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County. Full STR regulations can be found at www.clackamas.us/str.

STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (TLT) of 6%, and pay a newly-enacted

.85% STR user fee on total rental amounts. Payment of TLTs will continue to be made at www.clackamas.us/finance/transient.html. Payments for the .85% user fee will be able to be

made at www.clackamas.us/str.

The first payments to Clackamas County for the .85% user fees will be due on Jan. 15, 2024, for the

time period of Dec. 7, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023. Future payments will be due on the 15th of each month for

the fees associated with the full previous calendar month. Any STR owner/operator that is not registered

risks non-compliance, which is detailed in the regulations available at www.clackamas.us/str.

As the regulations only affect the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County, registrations are only due

from owners/operators of STRs within unincorporated Clackamas County – there is no effect on STRs

located within city limits.

The Board of County Commissioners intends to revisit these regulations in two years to evaluate the

cost and efficacy of the program and make a determination whether to continue, amend, or discontinue

the regulations.

Future STR updates can also be found at www.clackamas.us/str. STR owners and interested parties

with questions can email [email protected].

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New STR Rental Regulations Approved by Board of County Commissioners

Friday, September 8, 2023
by Liz Warren

Board of County Commissioners approves Short-Term Rental regulations

Date

Rules will affect STRs in unincorporated areas in 90 days

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals (STRs) earlier today. The action was taken after two public hearings were held on the issue – one earlier today, and one last month.

The regulations will take effect after 90 days (Dec. 6), and only affect the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County – there will be no effect on STRs located within city limits.

The Board of County Commissioners intends to revisit these regulations in two years in order to evaluate the cost and efficacy of the program and make a determination whether to continue, amend, or discontinue the regulations.

Residents are encouraged to review the STR regulations, which were adopted as presented at this morning’s Business Meeting. Those regulations can be found online on the county’s STR webpage where future updates can be found.

Before going into effect, the county will post the registration application (for owners/operators) online.

The Board of County Commissioners was effusive in their thanks this morning to the many members of the public that provided testimony in person and over Zoom at both public hearings, as well as many more that emailed in their perspectives. Changes were made to the proposed regulations in-between the time of the first and second public hearings in response to community input. Watch today’s hearing.

Changes

Clackamas County currently has no STR regulations. These new regulations will require all STRs in unincorporated Clackamas County to register with the county. The process will be free and an in-home inspection will not be required. When registering, the property owner and/or manager will certify that the property meets safety standards and that they will abide by the STR program rules. These include, but are not limited to:

  • STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (6%) 
  • The STR regulations impose a .85% user fee on the total rental amount 
  • No STR may be publicly advertised for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County 
  • STRs shall comply with all building and fire standards  
  • STR registration identification numbers shall be included on any advertisement or rental platform 
  • Contact information of a party responsible for the STR shall be posted at all times while paying guests are on the property, in an area and size readily visible from the nearest public roadway. (Per the draft STR rental application, that person/company must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within two hours. See pages 10-11.)  
  • The number of STR occupants shall not exceed the number authorized in the registration. Fifteen occupants is the maximum.  
  • Notice shall be clearly posted in the STR that identifies and informs occupants of the county's noise control ordinance  
  • Adequate parking – one off-street motor vehicle space per sleeping area – is required. There are exceptions to this for certain areas of the Mount Hood community. 
  • Vehicles shall never block access for emergency vehicles, access to the premise, or a parked motor vehicle. These violations, or other parking performed in a manner that violates the county’s current parking and towing ordinance standards, may subject the offending vehicle to immediate tow. 
  • The proposed STR regulations do not apply to hotels, motels, bed and breakfast facilities, hostels, campgrounds, lodging and resort accommodations in commercial zones, recreational vehicle camping facilities, or organizational camps

Violations

Clackamas County encourages any residents/parties to cooperate directly to resolve conflicts arising from an STR. First attempts to remedy violations should be to contact the posted STR representative. If a person does not respond within 24 hours or does not adequately remedy the issue, the county should be notified. Further details:

  • Clackamas County reserves the right to immediately revoke registration if it determines an STR is a fire or life safety risk 
  • Clackamas County reserves the right to review pertinent financial records or visit the STR to ensure violations have been resolved at any reasonable time 
  • When noncompliance of the STR regulation is suspected, the county shall issue up to two warnings in writing 
  • An owner that operates an STR without an approved registration or while suspended shall be subject to penalties

Members of the media may contact Clackamas County Public Affairs’ Dylan Blaylock. STR owners and interested parties with questions can contact Policy Advisors Caroline Hill or Everett Wild at 503-655-8581 or [email protected].

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How Inflation Affects the Housing Market on Mt. Hood

Thursday, August 31, 2023
by Liz Warren

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market



 

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.

The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation

Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.

Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down (see graph below):

Why does this matter? Well, shelter inflation makes up about one-third of overall inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). So, when shelter inflation moves, it leads to noticeable moves in overall inflation. That means the recent dip in shelter inflation might be a sign that overall inflation could fall in the months ahead.

That moderation would be a welcome sight for the Federal Reserve (the Fed). They’ve been working to get inflation under control since early 2022. While they’ve made some headway (it peaked at 8.9% in the middle of last year), they’re still trying to get to their 2% goal (the latest report is 3.3%). 

Inflation and the Federal Funds Rate  

What’s the Fed been doing to lower inflation? They’ve been increasing the Federal Funds Rate. That interest rate influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. When inflation climbed, the Fed responded by raising the Federal Funds Rate to keep the economy from overheating.

The graph below shows the relationship between the two. Each time inflation (shown in the blue line) starts to climb, the Fed raises the Federal Funds Rate (shown in the orange line) to try to get it back to their target of 2% (see below):

The circled portion of the graph shows the most recent spike in inflation, the Fed’s actions to raise the Federal Funds Rate to fight that, and the moderation of inflation that happened in response to that hike. As inflation gets closer to the Fed’s current 2% goal, they may not need to raise the Federal Funds Rate much further.

A Brighter Future for Mortgage Rates?

So, what does all of this mean for you? While the actions coming out of the Fed don’t determine mortgage rates, they do have an impact. As Mortgage Professional America (MPA) explains:

“. . . mortgage rates and inflation are connected, however indirectly. When inflation rises, mortgage rates rise to keep up with the value of the US dollar. When inflation drops, mortgage rates follow suit.”

While no one can predict the future for mortgage rates, it’s encouraging to see the signs of moderating inflation in the economy. 

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just stay informed about the housing market, let’s connect.

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Camp Creek Fire Update

Sunday, August 27, 2023
by Liz Warren
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
Forest Service News Release
 
Camp Creek Fire Update- Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m.
 
After a warm and dry day, as well as more accurate mapping, Camp Creek Fire is estimated at 900 acres. An infrared flight is scheduled tonight that will provide an even better estimate and fire perimeter. While the fire did grow today, the abundant forest duff material and dense forest provided a lot of fuel and put up a large smoke column relative to the size of the fire.
 
Great Basin Team #1 will assume management of the fire beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. The team brings many additional resources and capacity to help plan and implement fire suppression. There will be a dedicated Facebook page for the Camp Creek Fire, in addition to a dedicated Inciweb.nwcg.gov webpage to share updated fire information more frequently.
 
####
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
 
Photo of Camp Creek Fire Aug. 26, from the northwest.
 
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
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STR's on Mt. Hood

Sunday, August 13, 2023
by Liz Warren

Here's the latest announcement:

Board holding public hearings for short-term rental regulations. Public strongly encouraged to provide feedback; Rules would affect STRs in unincorporated areas The Board of County Commissioners has approved moving forward with a public hearing process to consider implementing rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals (STRs).

This action triggers two future public hearings on the proposed regulations. The next hearing is slated for during the board’s regular weekly Business Meeting September 7th at 10:00 a.m. The public is encouraged to provide testimony at these hearings. Residents and interested parties can do so either in-person or over Zoom. If the County Code is amended, the regulations will take effect only within the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County – there would be no effect on STRs located within city limits.

This program is considered to be a pilot program, and would be in effect for two years from the time of being enacted. Proposed changes Clackamas County currently has no STR regulations. Proposed regulations would require all STRs in unincorporated Clackamas County to register with the county. The process would be free and an in-home inspection would not be required.

When registering, the property owner and/or manager would certify that the property meets safety standards and that they will abide by the STR program rules. These include, but are not limited to: STR owners will continue to pay the county’s transient lodging tax (6%) The proposed STR regulations impose a .85% user fee on the total rental amount No STR may be publicly advertised for rent unless it has been registered with Clackamas County STRs shall comply with all building and fire standards STR registration identification numbers shall be included on any advertisement or rental platform Name/contact information of a party responsible for the STR shall be posted at all times while paying guests are on the property, in an area and size readily visible from the nearest public roadway. That person/company must be available 24/7 and able to respond to complaints within two hours. The number of STR occupants shall not exceed the number authorized in the registration. Twelve occupants is the maximum. Notice shall be clearly posted in the STR that identifies and informs occupants of the county's noise control ordinance Adequate parking – one off-street motor vehicle space per sleeping area – is required Vehicles shall never block access for emergency vehicles, access to the premise, or a parked motor vehicle. These violations, or other parking performed in a manner that violates the county's current parking and towing ordinance standards, may subject the offending vehicle to immediate tow. The proposed STR regulations do not apply to hotels, motels, bed and breakfast facilities, hostels, campgrounds, recreational vehicle camping facilities, or organizational camps

Violations

Clackamas County encourages any residents/parties to cooperate directly to resolve conflicts arising from an STR. First attempts to remedy violations should be to contact the posted STR representative. If that person does not respond within 24 hours or does not adequately remedy the issue, the county should be notified. Further details: Clackamas County reserves the right to immediately revoke registration if it determines an STR is a fire or life safety risk Clackamas County reserves the right to review pertinent financial records or visit the STR to ensure violations have been resolved at any reasonable time When noncompliance of the STR regulation is suspected, the county shall issue two warnings in writing An owner that operates an STR without an approved registration or while suspended shall be subject to penalties Next steps As this action is a potential county ordinance change, two public hearings at least 13 days apart are required. After that time if passed, the ordinance would be effective after 90 days or immediately if the Board declared an emergency. Before going into effect, the county would post the registration application online.

Interested parties can provide testimony during the public hearings at the two Business Meetings, and can also submit written comments for the record to [email protected] with the subject line “STR Regulation Comments.” The full proposed regulations can be found online. STR owners and interested parties with questions can contact:

Policy Advisors Caroline Hill or Everett Wild at

503-655-8581

or

[email protected]

Future updates about the project and public hearings can be found at

www.clackamas.us/str

.

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