Overview
Government Camp is a city in Oregon.
1 things to do · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Government Camp
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 45 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 67 mi away. Directions
An hours drive from Portland. Take I-84 east to exit 16, turn right off the exit and follow road to the intersection of hwy 26. Turn left on 26 and continue for 40 miles. The turn off for government camp is the loop road on your left at the flashing light.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Charlie's Mountain View. The Ratskeller, Ice Axe grill, Huckleberry Inn, The Taco Shoppe
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Government Camp is a small community located on the shoulder of Mount Hood in the Mount Hood national forest. Mt Hood's alpine village was established in 1849 when a mounted Cavalry division was forced to abandon wagons, equipment and draft animals, because heavy snows made conditions impassable. The town was from then on referred to as "government camp" by subsequent emigrants crossing the cascades into the Willamette Valley. Now the town is a destination for recreation and outdoor activities, best known as the summer time hub for alpine skiing. The local ski area boasts the longest season in North America with 400+ inches of snow year on top of a glacier, lifts are open through September.
Get in
An hours drive from Portland. Take I-84 east to exit 16, turn right off the exit and follow road to the intersection of hwy 26. Turn left on 26 and continue for 40 miles. The turn off for government camp is the loop road on your left at the flashing light.
Get around
Government Camp is a small community. Walking is the best mode of transportation in town. There is a shuttle service in the winter that serves Ski Bowl and Timberline, offering transportation between both ski areas and into town. Raz transportation offers bus service in the winter from Portland to Mt Hood Meadows ski area.
See
The Government Camp cultural museum, on the east side of town on the loop road has exhibits and information about the history of the community. The Oregon Trail interpretative center kiosk is directly across the street and has historical information about the first people to come across the pass via the Barlow trail.
Do
In the winter there are plenty of snow related activities near by. You can ski from Timberline lodge 4+ miles into town via the glade or alpine trails. There is a shuttle service that runs in the winter to get you back to the top, or hitching a ride from the many travelers on their way up to timberline lodge is also a popular mode of transport. There are 4 ski areas that are in the vicinity. Timberline, Ski Bowl, Mt Hood Meadows, Summit. Summer offers many opportunities for hiking and camping. The Pacific Ridge trail comes through town, going north to Canada and south to Mexico.The local trails connect to a network of trails that cover the entire mountain including the 40 mile loop that stretches around the mountain at the 4000/6000ft level.
- - located in Government Camp
Buy
There are a few ski shops in town. Vallians, Mountain Tracks
Eat
Charlie's Mountain View. The Ratskeller, Ice Axe grill, Huckleberry Inn, The Taco Shoppe
Drink
Charlies, Ratskeller, Beer Stube @ Ski Bowl, Brewery
Drink Charlies Mountain View
Charlie's is great road house/ ski bar in the center of town. There is also a restaurant. Drinks are cheap and there is a lot of local buzz.
Sleep
Mt Hood Inn, Huckleberry Inn, Collins Lake, Vacation Rental, Timberline
Nearby
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My experience
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