way, way back
For 8,000 years prior to exploration by Europeans, this gorgeous area was home to the Kalapuya and Molalla peoples, who spent their summers in the high Cascades and their winters in the Willamette Valley. In fact, much of the river was largely unknown to western explorers until October 1853, when a group of Oregon Trail settlers became lost trying to cross the Cascades into the Willamette Valley via the Elliot Cutoff. Not long afterward they discovered the river named for an early fur trader, Donald McKenzie.
Back in 1887, amidst the fervor of the Northwest land rush, a claim was staked on a parcel of land spanning 14 acres. This very land would eventually evolve into the picturesque haven known today as Loloma Lodge. Fast forward to 1928, when a remarkable log cabin was meticulously crafted, accompanied by three supplementary structures that played pivotal roles in the property's history – the iconic Peeling Barn, which once served as the hub for preparing and peeling logs (now our outdoor stage); the charming Carriage House, where owners once tended to their carriages and vehicles (now renovated into our cozy lounge); and a quaint, single-room dwelling (now repurposed into our functional office space). These historical elements intertwine to form the rich tapestry of Loloma Lodge's journey.
In 1932 the 3,000 square foot main lodge was constructed. The riverfront cabins were built in 1966 using the latest materials with full kitchens and radiant floor heating. We purchased the property in Spring of 2017 from the previous owners who lovingly gardened and maintained the property. Before 2005, the property sat empty for 10 years. Since we have owned Loloma, the property has gone through a major transformation, bringing back its original beauty while modernizing it, including adding new appliances. The floors and logs were all cleaned and oiled, gardens, trails, ponds and the wedding site were added. We also have a catering kitchen and full commercial laundry area. The work continues.
