Government Camp, Oregon

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Government Camp is a village on the southern slopes of Mt. Hood. It is the home of Skibowl and the gateway to Timberline Ski Resort and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. See Mt. Hood Skiing

The village offers dining, lodging, and entertainment.

The majority of the homes in Government Camp are second homes used for weekend getaways both winter and summer. Some of them are bigger than most peoples' first home. During the winter it can seem like a sleepy little village and it turns into a beehive of activity on the weekends.

People from out of state often ask why it is called Government Camp. The name comes from its history. The site is on the old Barlow Trail Road which was used by the pioneers coming west on the Oregon Trail in lieu of floating down the treacherous Columbia

River. In 1849 the government sent a huge U. S. Army wagon train west to establish forts along the Oregon Trail. When they reached The Dalles part of the train went west on the Columbia River. The rest of the train took the overland route. They were forced to abandon their wagons at the site where the village is today. The later pioneers passed by the abandoned wagons and called it the government camp. The name stuck.

The village has changed a lot since we had our cabin there. However, in some ways it hasn't changed at all. Charlie's Mountain View (called Charlie's), the Ratskeller (called The Rat), The Huckleberry Inn, Thunderhead Lodge, Summit, and Skibowl are still there.

Kevin Noone, Creative Commons

The snow can get extremely deep in the winter. The main road running through the village is always plowed. It pays to read the parking signs. You can't just park your car and leave it there for 24 hours. You wouldn't be doing this unless you were staying in lodging or walking into a cabin. What you have to do if you are staying for any period of time is move your car to the other side of the road periodically so the parking area can be plowed.

Government Camp Lodging

Mount Hood Inn

The Mount Hood Inn is a great place to stay if you are skiing at Mount Hood Ski Bowl because it is just across the street. The rooms are done it a mountain rustic style and have microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators. A Continental breakfast is included as is a locker for your skis. Some rooms have a jacuzzi tub. Timberline Ski Area is just six miles away and Mount Hood Meadows is 12 miles. Of course this would be a good place to stay in the spring, summer, and fall months as well.

Falcon's Crest On Mt. Hood Inn

Falcon's Crest is an upscale inn with themed rooms such as the Safari Room. It is also across the street from Mount Hood Ski Bowl. It's European-style restaurant serves a six-course dinner. Reservations must be made in advance.

Dining in Government Camp

Charlie's Mountain View

My son was there last week and Charlie was sitting at the end of the bar just inside the entrance just like he was 28 years ago. He always has a smile and a greeting for customers coming through the door. This is the place to go for a great steak dinner and a microbrew. Steaks are cooked over an open-flame grill. On Saturday nights throughout the ski season Charlie's has live music with popular bands from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. The bar is well stocked with domestic beer, wine, and spirits.

tompsonian.net, Creative Commons

Huckleberry Inn

The Huckleberry Inn is two restaurants in one. The cafe is open 24 hours a day all year long. A good place to get hot drinks, sandwiches, soup, and hamburgers. The dinner menu has roast beef, chicken, and liver and onions. The steak house is open on weekends during ski season. Don't forget to have a piece of their famous Huckleberry Pie.

Ice Axe Grill

Along with steaks, entrees include chicken, fish and chips, BBQ ribs, and salmon. The menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and pizza. This is the home of the Mt. Hood Brewing Company. They offer a wide selection of Northwest microbrews. They are open 11:30 am to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday through Thursday they are open form 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Falcon's Crest Inn

This is a fine dining experience. Six-course dinners are served and it is by reservation only. In fact, I heard that you need to make your reservations two months in advance. They have five rooms to rent and breakfast is included. For more information phone 800-624-7384.

Ratskeller

Pizza

The Taco Shoppe

Mexican restaurant

Three Sisters Coffee

Organic coffee and espresso drinks, organic baked treats.

Return to Mt. Hood from Government Camp

Return to Great Oregon Vacations from Government Camp

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