Pacific Trailways & Greyhound Depot Portland Oregon

As stated previously, I was able to ride Pacific Trailways on a travel-pass. So in the summer when I worked at the Huckleberry Inn (contract depot) for Pacific Trailways, I was able to come and go to and from Portland. The image here is when I went down to see Irene (who spent time down there at a hair salon, and on Mt Hood too). She had dropped me off in her '69 Grand Prix at Trailways downtown, which shared terminal space with rival Greyhound (550 N.W. 6th Street). Irene hated having her picture taken (she was Native American). Irene was a dear friend who from 1974 on tried to look out for me. She was busy though, she had a salon in Portland, Brightwood, and would take the ferry to Juneau every year to do hair up there (the money was good she would always say).

On those trips to Portland, I would walk the streets and observe. One memory is my first visit to Hamburger Mary's, what an experience, what a cool diversified place! I could have fell into drugs or worse, but I didn't, I had a vision and that wasn't part of my plan. I always returned back to Mt Hood and the Huckleberry Inn unscathed, but wiser.

Views From Pacific Trailways

Traveling in and out of Portland in the mid-1970's provided a different skyline than that of today. The views were dramatic and entertaining. I always lived in a small town growing up so it was quite an adventure for me. Buildings (clockwise) 40-story First National Bank Tower, view from Morrison Bridge of skyline and Hawthorne Bridge, 1225 SW 6th Avenue (University Club of Portland), Ross Island Bridge. 

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 5

Huckleberry Inn & Pacific Trailways

Those days at Bend I spent as little time at home as possible. I practically raised myself garnering good from those I met as role models. In spite of this I reveled in my freedom and independence. My Dad didn’t really have a place for me, as he was working construction at Bend, I was more of an inconvenience, but I had to have somewhere to come and go from. My life revolved around work and school, and friend's homes, I guess looking back I was an interloper with some and feel bad to have imposed on people at times.

This was ever apparent after school let out for the summer of ’75. Because I was an employee of Pacific Trailways, and later at United Airlines, I received travel passes and flight passes. I could travel nationwide or fly worldwide. The caveat though was time and money. This particular summer, I decided to take the bus up to Mt. Hood again. I called my friends Rita and Bill and asked if I could spend another summer with them sleeping on the sofa, they agreed. I took Pacific Trailways up to Wemme, and a mutual friend Irene, picked me up in her 1969 Grand Prix. When we got up to Rita’s, suddenly, I learned they did not want me to stay the summer after all. Irene took me back to her hair salon at Brightwood for the night. Again, I had nowhere to go and spent the night wondering where I would end up for the summer.

The next morning, I found Irene had been doing some footwork for me and found me a job at Government Camp at the base of Mt. Hood. The place was the Huckleberry Inn, a historical landmark restaurant, and ironically a contract bus stop for Pacific Trailways, part of the original foundation of this transportation concern. Irene drove me up there and dropped me off-- problem solved! After she drove away, I was again feeling pretty lost, surrounded by strangers, and all alone. But kids are resilient, that’s for sure, and I was a survivor. I soon settled in, and they offered me a room upstairs where I could sleep. I also could travel back and forth to Portland on my days off on Pacific Trailways. I knew all the drivers, so it was like an extension of my life at Bend, and that gave me comfort, as they all treated me like part of the Pacific Trailways family.

Photo shows Huckleberry Inn with Mt. Hood looming in the background (1975).

Battle Axe Inn

The original Battle Axe Inn, at the base of Mt. Hood, Government Camp Oregon. Also an official Mt Hood Stages Bus stop (DBA) as Pacific Trailways Bend.

Ski Town- Mount Hood Meadows

Summer of 1976 at Pacific Trailways Bus Stop, Huckleberry Inn, Government Camp Oregon, (Mt Hood). How many remember taking Trailways Bend to Portland or return, and stopping here for lunch or dinner en route. A more innocent time long gone in the wonderland backyard of Portland for summer, and a skiing mecca in winter.

Brightwood Oregon

In the mid-80's I drove up to spend Thanksgiving with Irene, who met me at her Brightwood property. (This was the same 'hair salon' I spent that lonely night back in the June of 1975) previous post. My Eldorado is seen parked in front. Irene had some friends there, we all decided to jump in my car and drive up to Timberline Lodge while the turkey was in the oven! We made it halfway up the road to Timberline Lodge from Government Camp when even the front wheel drive was unable to proceed further. The road was so icey we literally rotated the car on solid ice and pointed it downwards. We hurried back to Brightwood to check on the turkey which unbelievably was not overcooked! (Sorry for the blurred slide).

Serving Hungry Passengers

If you boarded Pacific Trailways from Bend to Portland you ate at the Huckleberry Inn at Government Camp (base of Mt. Hood). The waitress who fed all Trailways passengers the quickest and got them re-boarded was Avis Hood- the quintessential server. I adored her- what more can I say. Notice the 'Trailways' sign hanging over the cashier desk (left). Think the tape recorder on the counter was mine, I listened to cassettes all the time that summer. (1975)

Mount Hood Looms

This image was the view from the Huckleberry Inn at Government Camp. Official Pacific Trailways Bus Stop back to the timeframe of the original structure (Battle Axe Inn). The newer Huckleberry Inn was built on the site of the old Battle Axe Inn (destroyed by fire on November 07 1950). 

I feel blessed to have spent two summers on Mt. Hood (1974 & 1975) times of youth which are milestones in my life. To live up there among the rich history and locals was enriching and I will always remember the kindness I experienced and the pioneering people I met (and the hippies who summered there).

Pacific Trailways Bus Stop & Huckleberry Inn Mt Hood

One of my pals at the Huckleberry Inn- we all had so much fun that summer. (1975)

Lunch Stop

As stated previously I not only worked the school year for Pacific Trailways in Bend, but for the summer of 1975, I worked at the Huckleberry Inn Government Camp which was a contract station for Pacific Trailways. Here is an image of the children of the owners of the restaurant and a Pacific Trailways Silver Eagle bus parked (right). This would have been a scheduled stop so passengers could off load and have lunch or coffee. (1975)

Landmarks

Each summer I spent at Mt. Hood, first at Zigzag, and the second at Government Camp, there was one ominous landmark, Mt. Hood, which could be seen from everywhere. This image shows the ever present monument behind Huckleberry Inn, summer of 1975.

Old Ski Bums

We called this guy 'Old Chris' he came into the Huckleberry Inn all the time. He worked for either Mount Hood Meadows or Timberline (you can see his pass clipped to his parka). He was a community icon and the most connected to Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows guy in Government Camp.

Servers

One of my favorite servers was Carolyn from Montana. Always kind-- and good at what she did. Huckleberry Inn (Summer of 1975)

Huckleberry Inn Memories

In an effort to protect the identity of people I knew that summer of 1975, I have omitted names with images. I can say, I do know who these people were, I have no idea what happened to them.

Whenever an east or west bound Pacific Trailways (or tour) bus came in, it could be very busy. When I wasn't working I spent my time in Portland, or riding my bike around the area. One such occasion was a camping trip to Trillium lake for one night with a waitress I worked with (strictly platonic). We also got someone to drive us up to Timberline lodge where we and our bikes were off-loaded for a coast down the mountain. I remember going around a curve too fast and almost flying over the side. 

I have to mention a gal named Edna who was the restaurant manager. Her husband did all the baking. One weekend I filled in for him, it was so much fun to make the yeast dough and cut out the shapes. The tricky part for me was the proportions. The maple bars were huge, so much so, that we called them 'Bigfoot' bars. Edna seemed gruff when you first met her but was pleasant when you got to know her. One time she gave me a ride down to see my friend Irene who had a hair salon in Brightwood, 'down the mountain', as everyone would say. Edna had a big 'ole blue 1969 Cadillac and I still remember how floaty the ride was (air suspension). My friend Irene always did her hair, which was piled high in a late 60's style.

The owners were wonderful to work for and I have fond memories of that friendship. There was an easy harmony between them and all of us which made working at the Huckleberry Inn a great summer for all. I have so many memories, too many to mention here, I look back with the bittersweet feeling of youth and adventure.

Mt Hood Stages DBA Pacific Trailways

Keeping with the theme of this page, Mt Hood Stages at one time provided service between Timberline Lodge and the landmark Battle Axe Inn (later Huckleberry Inn) at Government Camp.

Mt Hood & Trillium Lake

After 25-some years Harvey and I visited Trillium Lake where I rode my bike into camp so many moons ago. It looked somewhat the same, I remember in 1975, the water was shallow and warm. At that timeframe, we rode our bikes from Government Camp (8-miles roundtrip) feeling dwarfed as we waited with a line of cars paying at the ranger entry station. Summer fun!

Mt Hood Oregon
25-Some Years Later

Constant backdrop to my two summers of 1974 and 1975 was Mt Hood, whether one is at Government Camp, Rhododendron, Zig Zag, Wemme, or Brightwood, this mountain stood as a sentinel in your life, a guardian that watched all. Interesting in this image the summer snow that shrouded the slopes in the mid-70's all summer is noticeably absence, likely due to climatic cycles.

Timberline Lodge (1977)

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 6

At summer's end 1975, it was time for me to leave and return to Bend. My Dad had a neighbor (Albert) who was passing through from Portland, he gave me a ride back to Central Oregon. Unfortunately in Redmond, a car hit us, I have no recall if we drove on into Bend or were towed. Either way it was a climatic end to a great summer.

I soon settled in to my old job as Head Baggage Boy at Pacific Trailways, and returned to Bend Senior High. This new chapter may very well have been replaced by a different one though if circumstances on the mountain had taken a different turn. Before I left, the owners of the Huckleberry Inn offered to take me in, or at least were open to it. I did not solicit this, it was their desire. My stepmother happened to be passing through, and I remember she went up to their suite to discuss it with them. I was filled with trepidation, as I felt perhaps, I could possibly have a real home at last with normal loving people. However, for whatever reason, she said no, and the opportunity passed away. To this day, it breaks my heart, as I loved the couple who owned the restaurant and wanted to be a part of their family.

Pacific Trailways Cafe

1068 Bond Street, Bend Oregon (1974)

Legacy Of Excellence 

Pacific Trailways shop-man exiting a bus after checking the interior (I have omitted his name for privacy) I bought my first stereo from this guy. One memory I have about our buses is they were serviced with pride, I never saw a dirty interior, and they always smelled fresh. This due in part I think to the self-contained toilet in the rear which had a perfumed fragrance which permeated the interior. The exteriors, as well, were maintained with realization that the buses were rolling billboards and represented the company. I rode the buses many times over the pass to the Willamette Valley in the winter. More than once we had to stop and the driver had to install chains. I spent many a snowy night waiting for buses to arrive at Bend which had navigated treacherous roads covered with snow and ice. Pacific Trailways drivers were the best, not only friendly and personable, but skilled at driving the Northwest in inclement conditions. (1975)

Downtown Bend 1975

You can see the Post Office in the background. I think this image is around the 816 block of Hill Street (just south of Pacific Trailways Depot & shops) and near the old Bend Hospital. Looking southwest toward Century Drive and the Cascades.

Along The Way Of Pacific Trailways

From Lava Butte looking north to Bend Oregon-- South of Lava Butte is La Pine, Chemult, and Klamath Falls.

View Of Bend From Pilot Butte

You can see the new St Charles Medical Center on the right. When I first lived in Bend in 1966-1967 we had the old hospital downtown off Franklin. The center of this image looks north toward Redmond. (2001)

Pilot Butte Views

Looking due west out over Bend from Pilot Butte which rests on the east side of the city. You can see the Cascades and downtown where the Trailways Bus garages and depot are. Out beyond the Cascades is the Willamette Valley (Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis), and beyond that the Pacific Ocean. (2001)

Pilot Butte

Looking to the northwest past Mt Hood, with Black Butte at left, and Three Sisters center (2001).

Lava Butte Lava Flows

Familiar site to all Pacific Trailways passengers was the endless volcanic lava flows as one traveled south to Klamath Falls. The beauty around Bend is surreal, but especially startling around the peak known as Lava Butte, south on Highway 97. In this image I am viewing my favorite vista.

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 7

By the spring of 1976 I was anxious to find a place of my own. As a student there were only so many locations affordable to me. I chose the Pioneer Hotel next door to the Trailways Depot. This for the cost, convenience, and location (there was also an unexpected boon-- maid service). My Dad agreed and my best friend's mother at school helped me move with her station wagon. This was a big step for me, even though I had been quite independent during summer vacations, I had never had a place of my own. I loved the location and remember living downtown Bend was a quite a treat. There were many an early morning when I would walk through Drake Park, or along the downtown streets, enjoying the ambiance and my new found freedom.

This summer I did not go to Mt. Hood, instead I stayed at Bend. A neighbor at the Pioneer (separated from his wife) had bought a used gold 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. His family lived in Lewiston, I think, and he offered me a trip to Dayton, and a ride back on his way through. This was my escape for a week or so. The route, the same as Trailways. (Picture taken just prior to our journey behind the Pioneer and Trailways Bus Station).

Photos of the trip to Dayton Washington from Bend in summer of 1976.

Back to Bend

Still finding old photos of my stepmother who passed away this month. This was taken in about 1974 from the inside of a Pacific Trailways bus-- enroute Tri-cities Washington to Bend Oregon. I worked for Trailways so had free passes everywhere (just like when I worked for United Airlines). I rode up to Washington with her and my Dad's daughter Roxanne (after Ruby drove down to pick up this primrose firemist '71 Cadillac at Corvallis). Wow what a ride!

Of course the first thing I did was adopt a stray cat. (Shown at the Pioneer Hotel next to Pacific Trailways Bend Oregon). This was not a good fit for myself, or the living arrangement.  

1976 MCI Crusader MC-8

As stated above previously this bus parked in the Pacific Trailways garage in 1976 was a demo on loan from MCI for possible purchase. If I remember correctly it was used on select passenger routes. This was the newest bus I ever saw in our fleet thus I took the the images while the bus was at Bend.

Brand New MCI

Pacific Trailways, MCI loaner for possible purchase, what a luxury liner! This coach was used on regular scheduled service for evaluation-- lucky passengers. These were the Cadillacs of transportation (about 1976). Taken in Pacific Trailways garage, you can see a red and silver Trailways coach parked behind. I have always liked these buses better than the Silver Eagles.

Background On My Association With Pacific Trailways

Chapter 8

That summer (1976) I enjoyed the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States at Drake Park with the rest of the community. I soon found another place to live nearby, my first apartment on Irving. Much better living arrangement than where I was-- and furnished too.

I also found another way to drain my finances-- a car. Out on north highway 97 there was a used car lot next to where Izzies is now. They had a 1959 Pontiac Catalina 4-door out there with a ‘99 Dollars’ placard on the windshield. Being a kid who wanted wheels, I asked him if it ran, the salesman said yes. I got an advance on my pay at Pacific Trailways at which my boss Frank Aden said, ‘don’t buy a car, you’ll never have any money again.’ Boy was he right!

The good thing though was, I was able to get around, the bad thing was, the car used a quart of oil every fill up and I never had any money again! LOL!

However, as if that was not enough, I found another car, found it in the Bend Bulletin. A 1960 Buick Electra 2 door for $35.00. I thought, ‘I should at least check it out’. Turns out it belonged to a 15-year-old. It was discovered in the backyard of a neighbor which told the boy, ‘if you can get it running you can have it’. So he did, and parked it at his mother’s house. He told me all it needed was fluid and he had to put the spare on it. The mother took one look at the intruder and said, ‘get rid of that thing'! So the kid ran the ad. I decided to buy it and fell in love with the styling and tail fins. I took it back to my new apartment and cleaned it up and polished it.

The caveat was I now had two cars! After a couple weeks, I drove it over to Trailways just 3-blocks away to show it to my friend Earl. This was at about 9 P.M. (between the nightly Trailways buses). I drove in from the rear up the entry ramp toward the drive-thru garage. As soon as the car hit the upward slope the front right wheel fell off with a clunk. I was frantic as the bus was due any minute! I ran in and got Earl who came out and said, ‘you have to move that car, the bus is going to hit you!’ Uh yea, LOL! This was a blind corner and poorly lit. What happened was when the kid changed the front tire, he didn’t reattach the lug nuts tightly, eventually they worked loose and the wheel fell off. We frantically got it jacked up, but couldn’t get the lug nuts on, as a couple studs had sheared off. Finally though, we got the wheel attached using about 3 of the good studs. Just as we threw the jack in the trunk I heard the mighty roar of a MCI diesel bus down the block. I jumped in the car, fired up the 401, tromped the accelerator and the beast leaped out of the path of the 50,000 pound bus! No one was ever the wiser, not the bus driver, or Trailways-- thank goodness!