Historic Camp Richardson

In my last post I showed you a picture of the cabin we stayed in at Lake Tahoe. This was at Historic Camp Richardson, located at the southern end of the lake on the California side of the state line.

The resort was built in the '20s and consists of the lodge, which you see above and multiple small cabins located in the trees going down to the lake.

I have a great fondness for old mountain lodges and cabins, built from the turn of the century up through the '30s. They were built in a time when people were not so demanding and needed only a modest room or cozy little cabin as they traveled. The lodges themselves usually have a great room with an impressive stone fireplace and comfy sofas and chairs where guests can gather. Camp Richardson is no exception and also has a general store and ice cream parlor. Ray and I sat in the great room one afternoon and read and signed real estate papers that had been faxed, then we faxed them back. 21st century technology meets early 20th century charm.

We were fortunate that it is still the "off" season and the cabins are available by the night. During the busier seasons you must commit to a week at a time and we were told that all cabins are filled throughout the summer, starting on Memorial Day weekend. While we were there it was very quiet and peaceful and our little cabin cozy and inviting.

Places like this have not been built for many years in this country. They really are relics of a bygone era.

Other lodges I have known and loved:

www.atpm.com/.../old-faithful-inn.shtml

3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/craterlake/html2/cl271.htm

arcweb.sos.state.or.us/.../scenicclackamas10.htm

www.unioncreekoregon.com/

This last, the Union Creek Lodge, is near Crater Lake. We used to take our kids there during Christmas breaks when we lived in Southern Oregon. We'd sled or cross country ski during the day and play cards in the evening. Like Camp Richardson, it has small, rustic cabins and sits right alongside the main highway through the area.