Tilly Jane A-Frame

Tilly Jane A-Frame sits high on the north flank of Mount Hood, part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District. Built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the two-story, 24-by-48-foot structure has a sleeping loft reached by ladder that holds up to 20 people, with more than one group able to book at once. Old growth forest surrounds it, roughly 1,000 feet below tree line.

Access changes with the season. In summer, typically mid-July through September, a car can get within a quarter mile of the cabin from Tilly Jane Campground. From October through mid-July, winter conditions take over and guests ski or snowshoe in via the historic Tilly Jane trail, about 2.7 miles with a 1,900-foot elevation gain. Backcountry experience is recommended, and skins or snowshoes are more or less required.

Inside, expect two picnic tables, benches, chairs, a wood stove, and pots for melting snow or boiling creek water. There's a primitive outhouse but no running water or toilet paper, so plan as if backpacking: sleeping bags, pads, headlamps, stove and fuel, and your own propane for the lanterns if you want them. Firewood is provided, though current fire restrictions mean no burning indoors or out — gas or propane stoves only.

The area connects to several trails, including a route to the Cooper Spur Stone shelter with views toward St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier. Booking runs through Recreation.gov, with a $6 non-refundable reservation fee and a $20 per person, per night recreation fee (two-person minimum). Cancel seven or more days out for a refund minus the fee; inside that window, no refund. Pets aren't allowed, and check-in is 2 p.m. with checkout at 1 p.m.