Lake Creek Lodge in midst of construction project

Cars aren't the only things slowing down when the 35 mph speed-limit sign appears on the road into Camp Sherman. Visitors and residents alike begin to feel the serenity of this beloved area soon after they turn off Highway 20.

Those headed to Lake Creek Lodge continue the wind-down as they pull into the parking area adjacent to the main lodge. The staff at the resort are happy to encourage that sort of attitude as they show guests to their accommodations and conduct tours of the property to prospective new cabin owners.

The lodge property encompasses 40 acres of woods, a portion of Lake Creek and several cabins, and has been in existence since the 1920s. The current main lodge was built in 1935 and contains a seasonal restaurant, offices and recreation rooms.

The property was purchased in 2003 by brothers Gordon and Jeff Jones, who initiated an ambitious and thoughtful development plan. They began by removing the trademark pond formed in the '20s as a fishing and swimming hole, restoring Lake Creek to its natural meanders and vegetation. They also rebuilt one of the old cabins and built two new ones, which were sold to private owners with the proviso that the cabins be available for a portion of the year to guests. The development master plan includes building several more such cabins throughout the property.

This part of the proposal met with opposition from local watchdog group Friends of the Metolius, but the resultant lawsuits and holdups have been resolved and the development is gradually continuing.

According to both the Joneses and managers Jeff and Jennifer Severeide, the delays were a mixed blessing. Development pace was necessarily slowed, which meant that the economic downturn happened at about the time the new cabins became available.

It also meant that things could progress at a more leisurely pace, allowing time for infrastructure work to be completed. A new septic system was recently installed, and several of the older cabins have had work

done.

A one-acre fishing pond was completed, with the surrounding landscaping done with native plants. Working with the Forest Service, the Watershed Council and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, trees removed from the pond site were re-used on the Metolius and Lake Creek to create fish habitat. The pond is filled from a new well, made possible by a water rights mitigation process that returned surface water to Lake

Creek.

Across the creek, just past the new pond, three new cabins are in progress. One is nearing completion and is sold; work on the other two will begin later in the

spring.

Sisters contractor John Pierce, of J.P. Pierce Construction, is overseeing work on the newest cabins.

"These are nice cabins, nicely designed and situated. I have marvelous talent helping with the 'craftsman' details," he said.

Many of his subcontractors also call Sisters home. The Severeides are pleased to have the work stay local.

The cabins are sold furnished and decorated, with interiors designed by Jeff Jones.

"We're trying to capture the history of the lodge, studying old photos and retaining the historic cabin feel," he said.

The result is a look that's as original as possible, with modern touches such as stainless appliances and gas fireplaces.

The owners and staff at Lake Creek Lodge are intent on maintaining the historical integrity of the site. Phones and televisions are conspicuously absent in the cabins, and families are encouraged to vacation the old-fashioned way, by playing together and with other guests, gathering beside the creek or on porches and allowing Camp Sherman to work its magic.