Located on the west slope of Mt. Hood, near ZigZag Mountain and ZigZag River, in the village of ZigZag sits a grand old log cabin inn.
The picturesque ZigZag Inn was built of hand-cut logs during the period of 1927 to 1930 by William "Bill" John Lenz. Bill was born in 1885 to immigrant parents in the Dalles, Oregon. His father was of German descent and his mother was French. They met on the ship which brought them to America. Bill and his twin brother, Joseph, were raised on land purchased by his family in the town of Hood River, where his parents lived out their lives.
A real "mountain man", Bill loved the outdoors. He would often hike across the mountainous, forested terrain of Lolo Pass to Hood River to visit his mother. The long round trip journey seemed to require little effort for such a strong man. Besides being a builder of log structures, he was also a guide on Mt. Hood. Bear, elk, deer, cougar...anything that would serve as a table meat was hunted.
As a self-taught musician, Bill played the guitar, wrote music and loved to participate in sing-alongs. He was a vivid story teller who loved people, his drinks, animals, and almost everything else except money, which he could have cared less for. Most of the time he was never paid for his craftsmanship, but Bill never worried about it.
Bill never met a stranger, he loved everyone! From the old Oregon Pioneers to the newcomers of the day, everyone was welcome as far as he was concerned. Bill was endowed with many extraordinary talents. He was a natural mathematician and an artist who drew beautiful blueprints, even though he had no formal training. He once was invited to join a construction firm in Portland to draw building plans for them. However, Bill valued freedom more than financial security, thus declined the offer.
In addition to the ZigZag Inn, Bill built the first Mazama Lodge, Barlow Trail Inn, about 27 cabins in Mt. Air Park, and other custom homes for people in the area. Besides these sturdy log buildings on the mountain that are still a marvel to passersby today, Bill also made custom furniture. One such piece treasured is a little curly maple desk he handmade for his grandaughter upon her starting school.
Whenever Bill was commissioned to build a house or lodge it became his baby. He would draw the plans, fall the timber, buck it, hand-hew the logs, and then, by leverage only, build the structure. His structures were really a labor of love. (Some say Bill hasn't left...but that's another story!)
The present ZigZag Inn has had several owners, and touts a colorful history. From the time when it was an all day trip for people coming from Portland, the Inn has been a restaurant, but there was formerly a gas station here too, for the convenience of patrons. Townspeople, loggers, and anyone else that like good food, drink, and a good time were welcomed at the ZigZag Inn.
During the 1950's the present downstairs was known as the "cellar". There one could dance and celebrate into the wee hours of the morning, or just enjoy the comradery of "mountain folk". That bar has been moved upstairs, but the "cellar" is available for private groups and special occasions. It is a place where ZigZag Inn's rich history is still audible...When you visit, listen....
The picturesque ZigZag Inn was built of hand-cut logs during the period of 1927 to 1930 by William "Bill" John Lenz. Bill was born in 1885 to immigrant parents in the Dalles, Oregon. His father was of German descent and his mother was French. They met on the ship which brought them to America. Bill and his twin brother, Joseph, were raised on land purchased by his family in the town of Hood River, where his parents lived out their lives.
A real "mountain man", Bill loved the outdoors. He would often hike across the mountainous, forested terrain of Lolo Pass to Hood River to visit his mother. The long round trip journey seemed to require little effort for such a strong man. Besides being a builder of log structures, he was also a guide on Mt. Hood. Bear, elk, deer, cougar...anything that would serve as a table meat was hunted.
As a self-taught musician, Bill played the guitar, wrote music and loved to participate in sing-alongs. He was a vivid story teller who loved people, his drinks, animals, and almost everything else except money, which he could have cared less for. Most of the time he was never paid for his craftsmanship, but Bill never worried about it.
Bill never met a stranger, he loved everyone! From the old Oregon Pioneers to the newcomers of the day, everyone was welcome as far as he was concerned. Bill was endowed with many extraordinary talents. He was a natural mathematician and an artist who drew beautiful blueprints, even though he had no formal training. He once was invited to join a construction firm in Portland to draw building plans for them. However, Bill valued freedom more than financial security, thus declined the offer.
In addition to the ZigZag Inn, Bill built the first Mazama Lodge, Barlow Trail Inn, about 27 cabins in Mt. Air Park, and other custom homes for people in the area. Besides these sturdy log buildings on the mountain that are still a marvel to passersby today, Bill also made custom furniture. One such piece treasured is a little curly maple desk he handmade for his grandaughter upon her starting school.
Whenever Bill was commissioned to build a house or lodge it became his baby. He would draw the plans, fall the timber, buck it, hand-hew the logs, and then, by leverage only, build the structure. His structures were really a labor of love. (Some say Bill hasn't left...but that's another story!)
The present ZigZag Inn has had several owners, and touts a colorful history. From the time when it was an all day trip for people coming from Portland, the Inn has been a restaurant, but there was formerly a gas station here too, for the convenience of patrons. Townspeople, loggers, and anyone else that like good food, drink, and a good time were welcomed at the ZigZag Inn.
During the 1950's the present downstairs was known as the "cellar". There one could dance and celebrate into the wee hours of the morning, or just enjoy the comradery of "mountain folk". That bar has been moved upstairs, but the "cellar" is available for private groups and special occasions. It is a place where ZigZag Inn's rich history is still audible...When you visit, listen....
Zigzag Inn
70162 EAST HWY 26
Welches Oregon, 97067
(503) 622-4779
zigzaginn.com
We are open 7 days a week!
Lunch and Dinner available daily
Breakfast available on Saturday and Sunday
Restaurant and lounge Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday: 7:00am - 9:00pm
Closed for: Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
70162 EAST HWY 26
Welches Oregon, 97067
(503) 622-4779
zigzaginn.com
We are open 7 days a week!
Lunch and Dinner available daily
Breakfast available on Saturday and Sunday
Restaurant and lounge Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday: 7:00am - 9:00pm
Closed for: Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
