Whistlin' Jack Lodge

The property where Whistlin’ Jack Lodge is located today began as a substantial portion of Cliffdell and the Davidson Parkway (this ‘parkway’ runs through the center of the unincorporated township of Cliffdell, Washington via the present highway route).

In the 1920s, this private land was used as a retreat center for a consortium of privately owned and operated Yakima Valley banks. The twelve-acre property and individual retreat facility (Wapato Lodge) sold to Charles (Charley) and Mildred Rogers of Sunnyside, Washington. In turn, they built and named the original lodge and four rental cabins. The Rogers family opened for business in the spring of 1931 and a mountain resort along one-quarter mile of the north bank of the Naches River was established. Whistlin’ Jack Lodge sold to O.E. Erickson, owner of the Cabana Lodge in Yakima, Washington, after World War II and “O.E.” operated (with managers) until, my parents, William (Bill) B. and Helen I. (Knapp) Williams purchased the business in February, 1957.