Location: Government Camp
Top Things to do in Government Camp
The 10 Best Things to Do in Government Camp, United States
Government Camp is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States, south of Mount Hood and north of Tom Dick and Harry Mountain. It is the only town within 5 miles (8 km) of Mount Hood and therefore is the de facto "mountain town". It is a gateway to several ski resorts, the most popular being Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Skibowl. Government Camp also has its own, smaller ski resort, Summit Ski Area. Somewhat farther east there is another very popular resort, Mount Hood Meadows.
Restaurants in Government Camp
1. Timberline Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Mike L - West Linn
The hotel in Yellowstone at Old Faithful is a wonder if intricate "found wood" balconies, open space, nice rooms, and more. Timberline Lodge however, is right in there with the best of them. The massive timbers and stonework fireplaces, hand carved piecs all around, in-your-face views of Mt. Hood (exept when the huge windows are completely buried in snow), the long views down the Cascades to the south, the historical displays and touches all around, and more make this a place you really should visit.
Others here have detailed the origins of this impressive building so I won't bother. I'll just urge you to drive up to see it.
2. Trillium Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By Mimi E - San Antonio, Texas
This gem of a park provides a stunning view of Mount Hood, which reflects onto the lake. You can either camp at Trillium Lake, or arrive early in the morning. This park is run by a concessionaire, and so is not covered by a Pacific Northwest Pass nor by a National Parks Service Pass. Parking costs $5; campsites are additional.
3. Timberline Lodge Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Kelleygirl2 - Sarasota, Florida
Without a clear understanding of lunch options and distances to our next destination, we began our drive up the incredibly steep switch backed road to Hood Mountain. Along the way we passed a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I couldn’t imagine anyone fool enough to hike that in this heat! When we arrived at the mountain I asked how long the chairlift would run and was told we had 15 minutes to catch the last ride to the top. We ran into the WY’East Day Lodge, grabbed a sandwich to go then hopped on the (expensive for the short duration) Magic Mile Sky Ride and up we went. Some skiers and snow boarders passed us riding down the mountain on the chairlift while others, even in this heat, were skiing in the few patches of snow left on the mountain. It was surprisingly warm at the top of the lift and when we got off I dug my bare fee in the snow wishing I could have been summer skiing in my shorts.
The view was pretty spectacular from the top. On this clear day blue-gray mountains rimmed the horizon and although I didn’t have my bearings, the snow capped mountain in the distance was either Mt St Helen, Mt Jefferson or the Three sisters. Whatever it was it was beautiful. After we had descended from our lofty perch and stepped off the chairlift we walked back toward the lodge passing a sea of color. Brilliant blue broadleaf Lupine, wild Pink Alpine Phlox, bright yellow Sulphur Flower, Pearly Everlasting, and Pussypaws carpeted the woodland floor under the dark hemlocks. The Timberline Lodge, at 6,000 feet, is halfway between the WY’East Lodge and the Magic Mile Sky Ride. A three story stone fireplace sits in the center of the main lobby with comfortable seating surrounding the fireplace. Large glass windows face the south slope of snow-covered Mt. Hood. Decorative themes of Native American, pioneer and wildlife in stone, wood, iron and textiles are repeated throughout the interior. The rustic lodge was dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1937 and is now a National Historic Landmark.
4. Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
Overall Ratings
4 based on 194 reviews
When the snow starts to fall on Mt. Hood, fans of winter eagerly await news of opening day at Skibowl, America’s Largest Night Ski Area and home to the Snow Tube & Adventure Park featuring Cosmic Tubing. Skibowl provides snow riders with 960 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The resort features 34 fully lit night runs, 65 runs total and a vertical drop of 1,500. With the most Black Diamondruns anywhere in Oregon, Skibowl appeals to accomplished riders, night and day. Those in the know are lured to Skibowl’s Outback, the legendary expansive gladed terrain with forested steeps, open glades and ungroomed slopes that are nothing short of heavenly. In summer, Skibowl transforms into the Mt. Hood Adventure Park, Oregon’s premier Summer Attraction offering something for everyone! We've got great activities for the whole family, the Adrenaline junkies, the naturalists and even the young ones! Our friendly and experienced staff will make sure your visit to the Mt. Hood Adventure park is memorable and fun, guiding you through over 20 attractions where you’re in control! Come try the Northwests only 1/2 mile dual Alpine Slide, Freefall Bungee Jumping, the Malibu Raceway, the new Amaze'n Maze, 800' long Zip Lines and more at Mt Hood Skibowl's Summer Adventure Park!
Reviewed By GregQuixote - Seattle, Washington
They're probably better at their ski activities but the summer attractions are kind of weak. There are piles of plywood and other building material debris as a result of what I assume are major summer maintenance activities while they are preparing for the upcoming ski season.
I was originally a little irked at the ticket pricing structure until I found out that just wasn't that much to do there. They sell "all day" passes but the park is only open from 11 to 5. That seems more like a half day to me. As it turned out we didn't even stay for a half of that "half day".
But the real problem came at the Malibu Race track. They supposedly had a rule about no open toed footwear. So I had to go back to my truck to get my friend a spare pair of shoes I had brought for myself. They were about 3 sizes too large for her but she made them work. We wouldn't have been upset over the rule but then we saw another woman allowed to drive with a very cheap pair of Wal*Mart flip flops, much less protective than my friends leather sandals that nearly enclosed her toes.
5. Mount Hood
Overall Ratings
5 based on 485 reviews
The tallest mountain in Oregon.
Reviewed By Traveler O - Tampa
Drove from Portland through Columbia Gorge - lots of great waterfalls and vistas. Stayed in Hood River Best western then drove through fruit and lavender valleys to Timberline Lodge. Got a last minute reservation at the Lodge - don't be afraid to ask to change to a better room if get stuck near dining smells. Great short and long walks from the lodge. food is a bit pricey.
Next day went to Zig Zag Falls - really nice and fairly easy walk for a moderate distance. watch for the kiwanis camp sign as easy to miss. on north side of US Hwy 26. Trillium lake was ok; i prefered zig zag falls.
6. Little Zigzag Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By TheLongLongTrailer - Hartsburg, Missouri
Takes about 20 minutes round trip to wall beside a beautiful clear creek to a waterfall which is pretty but not impressive, still a nice shady walk and not much time involved.
7. Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By AquariumRescueUnit - Darwin, Australia
I cannot remember the name of the lady here who so kindly helped me to figure out the bus schedule to go to somewhere where I could find new hiking boots.
You are truly a gem and so so kind, friendly and helpful!
I just wish I could remember your name so that I could mention it here, even though I made a point of writing good things about you in the guestbook!
8. Mt Hood Adventure
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 72 reviews
Since 2005, Mt. Hood Adventure has operated as the primary resource for outdoor adventure in the Government Camp area and in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The outfitter guide company began when it acquired the only permit to operate snowmobile tours in the Mt. Hood National Forest. In 2005, its main services consisted of guided snowmobile tours in the winter and hiking tours in the summer. Greg Moreno, locally known as “Chopper”, has been the operator and lead guide for the company since it first began. Each year the number of customers has grown along with additional activities being offered. In the summer, Chopper and his crew now offer backpacking trips, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding, horse packing, whitewater rafting and fishing in addition to their hiking tours. Once the snow comes in late fall, they begin to transition over into the winter activities, which now consist of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in conjunction with the featured snowmobiling. s the company developed, they now offer a full array of rental equipment and retail so that getting the right gear to properly enjoy the activities in the area is easy and convenient. From kids to grandparents, Mt. Hood Adventure will continue to serve as their recreation specialist, guide and outfitter for the Mt. Hood area for years to come.
Reviewed By Becky98 - Cornelius, North Carolina
The alpine slide is such a clever use of the beautiful ski slope and chair lift in the summertime. My husband and I went down it two times. They have two choices of slides- a beginner/intermediate and a faster one. Since we had done it before in Switzerland, we chose the faster one and loved it.
9. Mirror Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Located on the Mount Hood's north side.
Reviewed By Jade M - Camas, Washington
The hike to Mirror lake is only 1.5 miles each way, that's including doing the entire loop around the lake.
It is pretty much uphill the whole way, mostly it's switchbacks through the Forest.
We went on a cool cloudy morning, the weather was beautiful.
Mount Hood has been getting a decent amount of snow recently. The day we went there was a lot of clouds that were covering the mountain and it was only partly showing, but I was still able to see a little bit reflected in the lake, it was also windy so the reflection in the lake wasn't as clear as it can be.
No matter wether you can see the mountain or not this is still a gorgeous hike worth doing.
There was already some fall colors around the lake and lots of wildlife too.
We will be back again to do this.
10. Summit Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
The oldest ski area in the Pacific Northwest boasts a variety of snow sports including downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country.
Reviewed By Robert F - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
This is a great place to go if you are wanting to brush up on your skiing before tackling the mountain. The staff was friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed spending the afternoon here. I highly recommend - great place for families as well.
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