Look no further than Oregon’s mountain resorts for a memorable high-alpine dining experience this summer. Following in the European tradition of fine dining at altitude, these restaurants offer gourmet meals with a view. Whether you choose to hike, bike or simply be swept up the mountainside on a chairlift, you’ll enjoy wilderness landscapes and fresh mountain air to accompany your meal.
Sundeck Dining and Sunset Dinners at Mt. Bachelor
The Pine Marten Lodge at Mt. Bachelor sits at 7,800 feet on the northern slope. The lodge offers dramatic views of the Cascade Range including Broken Top and South Sister to the north, with forested valleys and sparkling lakes extending as far west as the eye can see. You can access the lodge via a network of hiking trails, by using a bike park pass, or with the purchase of a scenic chairlift ride. There are a few different options for dining at Pine Marten in the summer.
The most well-known is the Sunset Dinner service, which is a seated prix-fixe meal (reservations encouraged) offered Thursday through Sunday inside the main dining area. This formal dinner is popular with locals, a must-do for visitors and ideal for special occasions. The sunset dinner includes a chairlift ride to the lodge and a three-course meal featuring locally inspired dishes ranging from prime rib to pan-seared halibut — and be sure to save room for the decadent desserts.
Those looking for a lighter meal, or less formal dining, can opt to order appetizers from the lounge menu (hello, crisp-fried calamari and artisan cheese plates) and head out to the wrap around deck to enjoy the sunset up close.
For mid-day dining, Scapolo’s Bistro on the first floor of the lodge offers Mediterranean-style flatbreads, sandwiches and salads, as well as a full drink menu including local brews. Head out to the sundeck to dine alongside the casual crowd of mountain bikers, hikers and sightseers.
Historic Ambience with a View at Timberline Lodge
Visitors will already be immersed in the wilderness of Mt. Hood as they ascend through the twists and turns to 6,000 feet, where Timberline Lodge is located high on the western slope of Mt. Hood. The skilled craftsmanship of the lodge, built in the late 1930s as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal, is worth the drive up alone, but it’s the expansive views and the experience of being right on the slope of Mt. Hood that will really take your breath away (at this altitude, both literally and figuratively).
There are plenty of activities, from hiking, mountain biking, and, yes, summer skiing and snowboarding — or choose to simply take in the majestic snowy peak towering above. The lodge itself is a wonder of timeless craftsmanship, take some time to explore the exhibits on the main floor and wander.
Timberline offers several dining experiences with views to match. The Cascade Dining Room serves as the main dining area for hotel guests and is also open to the public. Mt. Jefferson is on display with Trillium Lake glittering below. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as plated dinners (reservation-only) — the menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for a gourmet mountaintop experience.
The Lodge also offers a less-formal option at the Ram’s Head Bar & Restaurant on the second level of the historic lodge, open daily from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant features a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as a cocktails and brews. Opt for a seat at the bar, which features dramatic views of the looming Mt. Hood summit or choose table service in the surrounding circular dining area. Your fellow diners could include Pacific Crest Trail thru hikers, mountaineers and skiers fresh off the slopes, day trippers and lodge guests.
The Y’Bar is a third option, located adjacent to the lodge in the Wy’East Day Lodge, which is where the skiers and snowboarders are based, and as such, is open when the lifts are running, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Y’Bar offers the basics done right including nachos, chili, street tacos and pulled pork — this might be exactly what you’re in the mood for after a long day. The large glass doors overlook the outdoor sun deck, which is also available for dining. Kick back and enjoy the mountaintop culture.
Dining By Day and Night at Mt. Hood Meadows
Visitors to Mt. Hood Meadows on the northern slopes of Mt. Hood have plenty of recreation opportunities from hiking the network of trails accessing waterfalls, geocaching, games on the sundeck and scenic chairlift rides as well as live music throughout the summer.
The resort has a host of summer dining opportunities thanks to the newly completed Sahale Lodge. This modern lodge boasts stunning views of the wildflower-covered slopes and distant views across the Cascades. The Sahale is host to a series of Culinary Tour dinners as well as Stargazer Dinners, created by executive chef Matthew Grimsley and his culinary team, offered by reservation throughout the summer. The culinary tours highlight regional foods from around the world including Polynesian, Mexican and Italian. Stargazer dinners offer diners the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal and experience the incredible stargazing opportunities at Mt. Hood. The resort also offers RV camping by reservation, to allow guests to fully experience the mountain dining experience from start to late-night finish.
During the day, guests can head to the main lodge to enjoy breakfast and lunch at the Paradise Grill. The menu includes gourmet sandwiches, salads and summer favorites—hello, buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Guests can dine inside, out on the sundeck, or request their lunch boxed up as a “hiker’s lunch” and hit the trails.
Wood-Fired Pizzas and more at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
There’s nothing like wood-fired pizza at 7,100 feet, especially after a day of mountain biking, hiking or fishing in the scenic Elkhorn Mountains. From July through mid-September, Anthony Lakes fires up the pizza oven and taps the kegs for Summer at the Starbottle Saloon.
Visitors can enjoy a selection of made-to-order wood-fired pizza at the family-friendly restaurant with majestic mountain views on the outdoor patio. Other options include Baker County-sourced beef burgers, hot dogs and German sausages as well as the Rock Garden greens salad for lighter appetites. Wash it all down with local beers, ciders and cocktails sourced from producers across Baker County.
The Starbottle is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with live music and dancing on select Saturdays. The resort is accessed via a quick turnoff from the Elkhorn Scenic Byway.
Fuel Up for Adventures at Mt. Ashland
Beginning May 2023, Mt. Ashland ski lodge will open the Granite Grill Café on weekends from through Labor Day. Visitors can relax at the lodge after hiking, running, or biking; the café will be serving up a limited menu of hot entrees including burgers, chicken sandwiches and wraps ice cream, shaved ice, and select beers, wines and ciders. The resort will also be offering events throughout the summer including movie nights, campfire get-togethers, mountain-top yoga, and other activities for all ages.
