The Cabins Creekside at
Welches Invite Guests
to Mt. Hood Country
by Sarah Madsen
August, 2004 The East County Gazette

Bob and Margaret Thurman have been on the mountain for 30 years — but they're not hiding out. Instead, they've been welcoming visitors from near and far to relax, play and get a feel for what Mt. Hood country is all about.

Prior to opening Mt. Hood Cabins, Margaret worked as a school teacher and Bob as a psychologist for special education; at the same time, they provided residential housing and business spaces for lease on Mt. Hood. After they retired from professions in their sphere of education, the two decided to focus on building a welcoming place for visitors of Mount Hood to come and stay. They worked closely with designer Michel Duvelle, and Margaret served as the contractor as they built the ideal setting and lodging.

In 2001 they opened Mt. Hood Cabins featuring The Cabins Creekside at Welches. There are nine unique cabins that are warm, clean and decorated to please even the most avid history buff. "We love to collect antiques," says Margaret. "We collect a lot of things that were once used by the pioneers and early tourists. Some of our visitors will see an unusual antique on the property and ask me what it was used for. I'll explain and they'll get a sort of history lesson." Each cabin has a kitchen, lodge pine furniture and cable TV and VCR. The large cedar and fir trees and carefully planned layout of each cabin give guests a secluded and private feeling; perfect for visitors that are looking for a little rest and relaxation.

But, Bob and Margaret Thurman know that most people who come to The Cabins Creekside at Welches, are looking for adventure in the out-of-doors. "We offer seasonal packages that include ski passes in the winter and forest passes for trailhead parking in the summer," says Margaret. Packages also include cabin fees and meals at nearby restaurants. Custom packages can be done for golfers, or any other activity a guest may be interested in. "For guests that are more interested in the history of Mount Hood, we have the new Barlow Road CD driving tour that includes a souvenir CD and booklet," says Margaret.

The Thurmans have welcomed guests from nearby Sandy, Oregon to as far away as Japan. The Cabins are listed in the official American Automobile Association's(AAA) travel book; the Thurmans look forward to welcoming guests from across the country. "Guests come here for a lot of different reasons. We have parents that stay here for the week while their kids are at snowboard camp. We have a lot of tourists that stay here for a few days while they ski." Recently, The Cabins, Creekside at Welches, hosted Nickelodeon Productions while they were filming the Burton snow classic. "We've had models stay here during photo shoots. We meet a lot of interesting people; it's the best part of the job."

There is little wonder why so many people choose to stay at The Cabins Creekside at Welches. It is beautiful, comfortable and convenient. Since The Cabins are situated only two blocks away from The Resort at the Mountain, Margaret says that many of their guests come to golf. "We also get a lot of visitors that are going to The Resort on the Mountain for conventions, meetings or just dinner," she says. "Couples will drive up, have a nice dinner at The Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room, then stay in one of our cabins and enjoy a relaxing getaway in a more intimate setting." The Cabins are also walking distance from the restaurants and shops in the village of Welches.

The Cabins Creekside at Welches, has several amenities located on-site as well. There is a new spa that sits on a covered bridge overlooking the creek. "A lot of our guests enjoy the treed area to visit and relax," says Margaret. For guests needing more space, there is a two bedroom cedar cabin named "Running Bear" that can sleep up to 10 guests. It is also furnished with lodge pine furniture and, rightly, features a black bear decor. Overall, The Cabins can accommodate 30 guests in one night. It is a welcoming stay on the doorstep of Oregon's most beautiful country.