American Ridge Lodge

About

American Ridge Lodge offers a glimpse into Washington's ski history, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s when the Yakima Valley Ski Club partnered with the Forest Service to create the American River Ski Bowl, one of the state's first downhill ski areas. The rustic 43x48-foot lodge served skiers until the 1950s when White Pass Ski Area opened with better snow and terrain. After decades of vacancy, the lodge and its unique 20-seater outhouse were restored and made available for public reservation. The largely unfurnished lodge sits at 3,050 feet elevation, approximately 1.5 miles from the William O. Douglas Wilderness boundary. It features a kitchen area with counter space and benches, closets and cabinets, and a wood stove (currently non-functional). Outside are a fire ring, picnic tables, and grounds suitable for dispersed tent camping. The facility has no electricity or running water; summer visitors can obtain pitcher pump water from Cedar Springs Campground 1.5 miles away. Access is through a locked gate with the combination provided upon reservation. Winter visitors park at a plowed pullout on Bumping Lake Road and hike, snowshoe, or snowmobile under a mile to reach the lodge. The surrounding area offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking in warmer months, with skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling available in winter. Wildlife including elk, mule deer, and black bear frequent the area.

Directions

From Naches, WA: Travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles, continue straight onto SR 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Road (FR 1800), continue 1/4 mile to Forest Road 381. Turn right and follow approximately 3/4 mile to the end. Access is through a locked gate; combination provided in confirmation letter. In winter, park at the plowed pullout on Bumping Lake Road and walk or snowmobile under a mile to the lodge.