Multnomah Falls Lodge

Bridal Veil, Oregon

The work at Multnomah Falls Lodge offered unique design challenges for incorporating new uses and growth for the existing historic building and site. The Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places was completed in 1925, was designed by A.E. Doyle, one of Portland’s most important architects and the grandfather one the firm’s former partner, George McMath. The Lodge along with its site are one of the most frequented attractions in Oregon. Particular design challenges included preserving and restoring the ambiance and character of the original building designed in the Oregon Rustic style. Since the building is sited along the historic Columbia River Highway at the base of the falls and higher elevation hiking trails, the view from all sides and above was an important design consideration.

The firm’s projects at Multnomah Falls Lodge included participation on the site master plan, general overall exterior and interior rehabilitation of the lodge (little work had been done since its ‘mothballing’ during WWII), rehabilitation of the Great Room and second floor spaces, new dumbwaiter, snack bar, coffee shop, and restrooms. The office also designed the Falls Room addition and the kitchen expansion. The design for the Falls Room employed modeling to restore the original view of the falls from the Great Room, that was diminished by a former addition, while allowing additional seating of the expanded area in a more intimate nature setting.

Multnomah Falls Lodge Exterior

Multnomah Falls Lodge Exterior

Falls Room Interior

Falls Room Exterior

Kitchen Addition Interior