Government Camp or “Govy” as locals call it is a small, charming alpine village nestled at the foot of Mt. Hood. This quaint ski town offers year-round outdoor activities, miles of hiking, biking, and skiing trails, a Bavarian-style, pedestrian-friendly downtown, and some great eating and drinking spots.
Check out our list of things to do in Govy:
Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum
The museum has 6 main galleries displaying items related to Mt. Hood and the Government Camp region, skiing and trailblazing the Cascade Mountains. There is also a well-appointed giftshop filled with arts and crafts from local artisans, jewelry, books from local authors, and more! Pick up a gift for that special someone, or a souvenir for yourself!
Year-Round Fun at Adventure Park at Mt Hood Ski Bowl
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl offers seasonal fun for the entire family. During the summer, this park has something for adrenaline seekers of all ages from a bungee tower and trampoline to miles of mountain biking trails, a rock wall, Indy Karts, a Super Kids’ Play Zone, their infamous ½ mile Alpine Slide, and more! During the winter, enjoy America’s largest night ski area, sleigh rides, cosmic tubing, and more!
Canoe, Kayak or Stand-up Paddle Board at Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake provides one of the most stunning views of Mt Hood. Soak in the crystal-clear reflections of Mt. Hood on the lake’s glimmering surface as you paddle through the water. There is no motorized boating allowed, making Trillium Lake the perfect place to dip your paddle! The friendly and helpful team at Mt. Hood Outfitters can get your geared up for a fun-filled day out on the lake.
Hit the Trails
Mt. Hood is home to many family-friendly hiking trails. Here are some of our favorites (leashed pups can join, too!):
Discover the Beauty of Family-Friendly Trillium Lake Loop Trail
This relaxed hike is perfect for families looking for a fun way to spend some time outdoors! Rated easy, the 1.9-mile loop is accessible for strollers and visitors with limited mobility and features stunning views of Mt. Hood.
Visit Little Zigzag Falls
This easy going 1-mile out-and-back trail winds you along Little Zigzag River and ends at the falls – the perfect spot to snap that family vacation pic! The entrance to the trailhead is located near Government Camp, and is just a few miles away from Trillium Lake, giving you the perfect opportunity to visit Little Zigzag Falls before heading to the lake.
Check out the Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Hike near Government Camp
Conveniently located near Government Camp, this popular 9-mile out-and-back trail leads to stunning views of glacial Mirror Lake and Mt. Hood. This trail is considered challenging, so may be better suited for families with older children.
Hike Mirror Lake Loop
This popular hike is roughly 4 miles out-and-back. It is classified as easy, but there are a few steep switchbacks, but your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Hood reflected in the glacial water. Looking for more of a challenge? Once you get to the Mirror Lake follow signs for Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain.
Ski Timberline – One of America’s Only Year-Round Ski Resorts
Timberline offers the longest ski season in North America, and has more vertical feet than anybody else in the United States – 4,540 feet! Historically, the winter season begins early to mid-November and continues through the end of May. The Palmer Snowfield operates later into the summer, usually June 1st through the beginning of September (snow dependent).
Mountain Biking Trails
Check out these two popular Govy Camp rides:
Pioneer Bridle Trail
Pioneer Bridle Trail is an 8-mile trail that takes you from Government Camp to the nearby town of Rhododendron. The trail follows Barlow Road – part of the Oregon Trail followed by pioneers in wagon trains coming to Oregon and wanting to avoid floating their wagons down the Columbia River. This single-track trail has some technical rocky sections, and is recommended for more experienced riders.
Cross Town Trail
Want to get from one end of Government Camp to the other? Why get in the car, when you can jump on a mountain bike?!? This 3-mile trail is suitable for adventurous beginners with a 400-foot climb and rolling terrain. This trail also crosses with several other popular routes, making it easy to extend your ride.
Pizza and Huckleberry Pancakes and Milkshakes, Oh My!
There are plenty of great spots to eat in Government Camp, but these two local favorites are a must:
Relax after a long day on the trails or slopes at The Ratskeller Alpine Bar and Pizzeria, a family-friendly pizzeria and bar in the heart of Govy Camp. This chalet-style eatery serves classic pub fare, deluxe burgers, and pizzas, plus a great selection of rotating craft brews on tap. Feel like unwinding at your cozy Mt Hood Vacation Rentals by Meredith Lodging rental instead? No problem, you can place an order for take-away!
Fuel up for an adventure filled day at the Huckleberry Inn. This family-style restaurant specializes in diner-style breakfast food, like omelettes, hot cakes, hash browns, and homemade pastries, but they also serve lunch and dinner. Be sure to save some room for their famous Huckleberry hot cakes, or creamy Huckleberry milkshakes. It’s no wonder this iconic restaurant has been proudly serving the community for over 50 years!
Stay with Us!
Ready to discover all the fun to be had in Government Camp? A stay with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals by Meredith Lodging will be the perfect home base to explore this charming alpine village. Check out our Government Camp vacation rentals here. You can view our collections online or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055. We hope to see you on the mountain soon!
