The Ratskeller Restaurant

Less than an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon, The Ratskeller is a 1930’s landmark restaurant located in the village of Government Camp at the base of Mt. Hood. After a day on the mountain skiing, climbing, snowboarding, or hiking, it has always been a gathering place for folks to eat, drink, and share stories of the day. The new owners wanted a complete remodel with interior log siding of this historic  restaurant landmark in keeping with a cozy mountain cabin ambience. They wanted the charm and warmth of log siding but with some load restraints on the older structure as there was concern about the size of interior log siding that could be used.

Intuitive Design Company, the interior design firm who managed the project, found the Pine River Inc. website and presented the idea of using e-logs rather than real logs. They contacted Pine River, shared their thoughts, provided dimensions and within a day had a quote and delivery date. It turned out to be the perfect solution for the realistic look they wanted in interior log siding, including the lightweight feature of the large 12” diameter e-log and the added benefit of the insulation e-logs provide. With the e-log weighing only 18 pounds per 8-foot log, the weight concerns became a non-issue.

The timeframe for completion of this entire project was very tight: the e-log siding was shipped to the job site the second week in November with the deadline to have the restaurant back up and running by December 8th. Once again, the ease of installing our interior log siding was proven by the finish carpenters who had no previous experience with the product. In addition, the carpenters fabricated new “whole” logs out of the e-log siding to cover existing structural beams and provide a dramatic entrance to the new seating area.

As one can see by the following restaurant pictures, the task was extremely challenging but the transformation and results speak for themselves. The e-log siding is a major focal point throughout the space, providing the perfect backdrop and desired setting, which according to the owners and patrons is an enormous success.

Client: Ratskeller Bar / Restaurant
Address: 88335 E Government Camp Loop
Government Camp, OR
Phone Number: 503-272-3635

Design Firm: Intuitive Design Company
Address: 3250 SE 164th Ave., Suite 211
Vancouver, WA 98684
Phone Number: 360-567-2607
Website: www.intuitivedesigning.com