New Suttle Lake Lodge is now open

After years of permit negotiations, planning, a nearly-disastrous fire and major construction, The Lodge at Suttle Lake opened on Friday, June 24 and hosted a wedding ceremony the next day.

The 10,000-square-foot lodge built by Chuck Newport Construction Services is a tribute to the talents of local craftsmen. The Native American theme is accented right at the entryway with a magnificent set of double doors carved in the shape of an Indian and an eagle by nationally-recognized artist J. Chester “Skip” Armstrong.

Armstrong’s carvings are featured throughout the lodge along with iron work by Ponderosa Forge of Sisters. The surrounding grounds were artfully landscaped by Tim Clasen. The deck furniture was crafted by Sisters High School students.

The lodge boasts 11 rooms of varying sizes occupying two levels and two wings that branch off a large commons room dominated by a rock fireplace, floors of 100-year-old fir and a chandelier topped by a teepee.

Owner/operator Rhonda Sneva said the Native American theme was important because the lodge is sited on native lands. Before the construction project began, Sneva hosted a groundbreaking ceremony that featured blessings and reconciliation with elders from the Warm Springs Tribes.

There is an extensive grassy area behind the lodge leading to a gazebo overlooking Suttle Lake — a perfect setting for weddings and music events.

Rooms are set up both for vacationers trying to unplug from their busy lives and for business travelers and conference organizers who need to be wired in.

A massive fire suppression unit is stored in a rock storehouse under the gazebo to protect the lodge from its greatest vulnerability.

Despite its grand size, the lodge is surprisingly unobtrusive. A hiker on the north shore of the lake catches only glimpses through a screen of trees.

The lodge and the adjacent restaurant at the boathouse and marina launched their summer barbecue and live music events held each Thursday into September.

For more information visit http://www.thelodgeatsuttlelake.com.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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