When Brad London bought his Forest Service cabin in 1990, he knew it had roots with Henry Steiner – a craftsman known for building rustic cabins nearly 100 years ago around Mount Hood with artistic featurescreated from the surrounding natural landscape.

Three years ago, London had the chance to learn more about his cabin when
he met Henry’s son, John Steiner, during the annual Steiner Cabin Tour,
organized by the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government
Camp.

Sure enough, John recalled that he and his father framed London’s cabin,
installed the exterior logs and doors, built the fireplace and made the
washboard in the kitchen.

John also confirmed London’s impression that the original owner decided to
take on building the interior himself.

“I could tell something was a little different,” London said. “You look at some
of the other cabins they’ve done before; we’ve got some pretty neat exterior
doors, but we don’t have nearly the ornate things they’ve done with wood and
branches to the interiors. I would consider it plain compared to some of the
others.”

Now, anybody can take a look at London’s cabin, along with three other
Steiner cabins and the St. John Catholic Church (also built by Steiner) during
this year’s tour, a self-guided tour held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
13, including cabins in Rhododendron, Zigzag and Brightwood. Tickets are $15
for MHCCM members and $18 for non-members, and can be purchased by
calling the museum office and then picked up at Mt. Hood Foods, 73265 Hwy.
26 in Rhododendron.

John Steiner is expected to meet participants at the church during the tour.
Lloyd Musser, curator of MHCCM, said London’s cabin is the first Forest
Service cabin included on the tour, and is situated along side two others
Steiner built (not included on this year’s tour). Those who take part on the
tour will get a handout comparing the tour’s cabins fully built by Steiner to
London’s cabin.

“To the person driving down the street, you wouldn’t know (it wasn’t a full
Steiner cabin),” Musser said of London’s. “It’s the little things that make the
difference.”

Steiner cabins are typically known for their “wagon wheel” or “sunburst”
gable, a basalt rock fireplace, arc-shaped front door made of a split curved
tree, gnarled tree root used for a front door handle and unique log beams
supporting the gabled porch roof. More than 25 have been showcased during
the tours, which started in 2004, while the MHCCM has inventoried 72 of the
cabins so far.

London is happy to present his cabin on the tour, noting, “it’s unique in its
own way,” and added that the Steiner cabins he’s seen on the tours have
made a lasting impression.

“Some of these cabins that we’ve seen are literally works of art, as far as I’m
concerned,” he said. “It’s just amazing to me their creativity.”

Space is limited for the tour and participants are encouraged to purchase
tickets prior to the event. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the MHCCM,
88900 Hwy. 26 Business Loop in Government Camp, or by calling 503-272-
3301.