80th Anniversary
80 years ago, George William Hill founded Hill’s Resort in 1946. His love for Priest Lake came from spending his childhood summers at the family cabin at Hunt Creek on the east side of the lake. After returning to Spokane from naval service, he decided the city was not for him and returned to Priest Lake to begin the Hill’s Resort legacy. In 1954 he married Lois Montecucco, and together their vision for this resort, and Priest Lake, created the place that we all consider to be so special.
In the early years the “season” was June through Labor Day. The off season was spent building more cabins, remodeling the lodge and restaurant (still a never ending challenge) and of course, family time. The family has continued to grow and so has our season. We are now open 12 months a year for lodging. New Year’s Eve has become one of our biggest and busiest nights.
The atmosphere during the fall, winter, and spring creates an excellent environment for special “Get Away” weekends. Hill’s Resort is also an ideal location for conferences and retreats, offering a place where the demands of the city and the interruptions of the workplace are left behind.
Hill’s Resort continues the legacy started in 1946. Our family and staff are dedicated to providing a quality experience.
Welcoming Our Third Generation
President & CEO
Joseph W. "Jake" Hill
As we celebrate 80 years of Hill’s Resort, we are incredibly proud to share another special milestone in our family’s history.
On Wednesday, August 26th, Hill’s Resort shareholders elected Joseph W. “Jake” Hill to serve as the next President & CEO of Hill’s Resort, marking the beginning of the third generation of Hill family leadership at the company.
Hill’s Resort was founded in 1946 by George Hill. In 1981, George & Lois incorporated Hill’s Resort, with George serving as the company’s first President. As George’s health declined in the late 1980s, Lois stepped into the role and continued leading the company until 2014, when their son, Craig, became President. After more than a decade at the helm, Craig has passed the baton to his son, Jake.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Jake & Whitney. They’ve grown up in this business and share a deep love for Priest Lake, Hill’s Resort, and the guests who have become family over the years. Missy & I are excited to watch them carry on our family’s legacy and see where they take Hill’s in the years to come.” - Craig Hill
For Jake, Hill’s Resort has never been just a place to work; it has always been home. Growing up on the property, he learned the business from his parents, multiple generations of the Hill family, and countless dedicated employees. Just as much a part of his upbringing were the families who returned to Hill’s year after year, sharing in the traditions, stories, and memories that have made this place so special for generations.
“It is an incredible honor, and one I don’t take lightly. I’ve had the privilege of growing up in this business, learning from the people who came before me, and working alongside so many people who care deeply about this place.” - Jake Hill
Jake has served as Hill’s Director of Operations since 2024 and has played an integral role in the day-to-day operations and continued growth of the resort. As President & CEO, he will carry forward the traditions and values that have shaped Hill’s for the past 80 years while helping guide the resort into its next chapter.
“For our family, there is something incredibly special about celebrating 80 years of Hill’s Resort and welcoming the third generation of our family into this role in the very same year.” - Whitney Hutchins née Hill
While Jake’s title may be changing, the heart of Hill’s remains the same: family, tradition, Priest Lake, and Making Memories that Last a Lifetime.
Please join us in congratulating Jake Hill, Third Generation President & CEO of Hill’s Resort!
- The Hill Family