Our Guide to Government Camp
by Sydney Foster 

With a famous amount of average snowfall, gorgeous lakes and nearby trails, Government Camp is the perfect setting for a getaway to Mt. Hood, Oregon – any time of year. Visit “Govy” in the winter and enjoy cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing trails. When the snow melts, the fun doesn’t stop! Plan a trip to enjoy the beauty of mountain lakes and hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains with a stay in a Government Camp vacation rental! Explore what makes Government Camp an amazing choice for your next visit to Mt. Hood.

Government Camp Oregon Elevation

At an elevation of 4,000 ft, Government Camp is a hub for outdoor adventure in every season. With a summit of 11,245 ft, Mt. Hood and the surrounding national forest is the highlight of the area with skiing, hiking, climbing, and stunning views.

Government Camp in the Winter

Government Camp Snow Levels

With famously large amounts of snowfall in the Mt. Hood area every year, Government Camp is a hotspot for skiers, snowboarders, and sledders alike.

Average Snowfall Per Year:

• Government Camp: 256 inches
• Mt. Hood Meadows: 430 inches
• Mt. Hood Skibowl: 300 inches
• Timberline Ski Area: 540 inches
• Summit Ski Area: 300 inches

Government Camp Winter Activities

Government Camp Skiing

Government Camp offers proximity to the Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, the Mt. Hood Skibowl, the Timberline Lodge ski area, and the Summit Ski Area. Mt. Hood Meadows is located on the southeastern side of the mountain allowing for wind protected terrain, sunshine, and stunning views. With over 2,000 acres of ski terrain, beginners and experts alike are sure to find their favorite run and view at this expansive Mt. Hood ski area. Lesson reservations and day tickets must be purchased in advance for Mt. Hood Meadows for the 2020-2021 winter season.

The Mt. Hood Skibowl is unique for having the largest night ski area in America. With 36 lighted runs, groomed slopes, and plenty of outback terrain, every skier will delight with a day on the slopes of the Mt. Hood Skibowl. Reservations are not required but capacity is limited and managed on a first-come first-served basis. Mt Hood Skibowl is also home to the ever popular Cosmic Tubing. Reservations are required.

The Timberline Lodge ski area is known for being the only North American ski resort to operate in all 12 months. With 41 ski trails and 3,690 ft of vertical elevation change, this ski area offers skiers of every skill level to enjoy time out on the mountain. Due to safety precautions, the lodge is currently only open to overnight guests. However, guests may purchase on-site lift tickets and must abide by mask mandates and social distancing procedures.

The Summit Ski Area is the perfect destination for families and beginners. The historic ski resort has been operating since 1927 and offers a gentle vertical change of 306 ft making it ideal for a ski lesson or a relaxing day on the slopes for families. Passes and tickets can be purchased onsite with limited capacity, takeout only dining, and mask requirements are in place.

Ski From Timberline to Government Camp

A Mt. Hood vacation rental allows you to explore cross country ski trails and the serenity of a peaceful snowy forest, with access to outdoor adventure just steps outside your door. Buckle your ski boots or snowshoes and head out to explore a trail like the Crosstown Trail or Glade Trail; there are several other trails intersecting with these trails, too. The Alpine trail #661 even allows skiers to make the journey from the Timberline Lodge ski area back to Government Camp after a day on the slopes!

Government Camp Sledding

For sledding fun, head to Cosmic Tubing at the Mt. Hood Skibowl where you can find thrills down the sledding runs and rock out to a music and light show that will add to the family fun. Don’t worry about walking back up the hill; there is a conveyor lift that will bring you and your tube back to the top. Along with being a family-friendly ski trail, the Summit Ski Area also offers tubing. Children of all ages can enjoy taking a break from ski boots and enjoy riding in a tube down a sledding path. Don’t forget to wear a mask on the sledding hill!

Government Camp in the Summer

Government Camp Summer Activities

If you prefer summer fun to winter skiing, then book a summer retreat to Government Camp! The melted snow leaves behind hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Family-friendly fun can be found at the Adventure Park at the Mt. Hood Skibowl, which offers a variety of activities ranging from an alpine slide, bike park, zip lining, and more. Still have an itch to ski? The Palmier Glacier at the Timberline Ski Area allows skiing through the summer which makes it a favorite destination for casual skiers and hopeful Olympians alike. Outdoor adventurers will also delight at the many hiking, biking, and water activities that can be found within an easy distance of Government Camp!

Government Camp Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers will enjoy plenty of trails in the area ranging from easy terrain to very difficult. The Timberline to Town Trail is an intermediate trail that can be followed for 5.5 miles down 2,000 ft from the Timberline Lodge area to the Crosstown Trail into Government Camp. Or try out the new Mountain Bike Park at Timberline Lodge; a chairlift will take you and your bike back to the top. For a challenge, take a ride on the Pro Line trail which is a downhill trail filled with rocks and other obstacles located at the Mt. Hood Skibowl. Or ride along the Trillium Lake Trail which is a beginner-friendly trail with beautiful views of the lake and Mt. Hood.

On the Water Near Government Camp

You can also bring along a fishing rod to reel in a catch during your stay. Visit nearby lakes like Trillium Lake or Frog Lake where you can swim, launch a canoe or kayak, and enjoy the views as you paddle. For an exciting day trip, head to the Sandy, Clackamas, and Deschutes rivers which all offer nearby white-water rafting trips.

Government Camp Hiking

Hikers will enjoy trails in a beautiful setting as they follow along the Mirror Lake Trail, the Timberline Trail, and even trails found right outside of a vacation rental! Explore Mt. Hood National Forest for a day and enjoy the best of the Cascade Mountains. Birdwatchers will also delight while searching for local bird sightings while those seeking to summit Mt. Hood will enjoy climbing season between mid-April and mid-June.

Government Camp Restaurants

*Please note that some restaurants are operating unusual hours, or are only open for takeout or outdoor dining during the pandemic. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time for hours and information. 

All of this outdoor adventure is sure to work up an appetite! After a day on the slopes or on the hiking trails, grab a bite to eat in Government Camp. Stop in to Mt. Hood Brewing Co for a brew and some tasty eats. A favorite for apres-ski, Glacier Public House offers pizza, wings, and even vegan friendly options along with a variety of Pacific Northwest brews.

For casual burgers and beers head to Charlie’s Mountain View! A local favorite since 1977, this relaxed setting is the perfect place to munch on a sandwich, steak, and sip on a local beer. For even more après ski fun, head to the Ratkskeller where you can share a pizza with family and friends and enjoy a house-made cocktail like a Blackberry Whiskey Sour or a White Russian. You won’t want to miss these local eateries when you visit Government Camp!

Directions to Government Camp

Situated about 60 miles east of Portland, Government Camp is the perfect destination for nature lovers. If you fly into Portland International Airport or are local to the area, the drive will take you along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway via Highway 26. Drive times range from an hour to four hours, depending on traffic. There is always more traffic around the weekends, which is just one of the reasons we recommend booking a midweek trip to Mt Hood.

Government Camp Cabin Rentals

Whether you plan on exploring skis slopes or hiking trails, Government Camp makes for an ideal home base for a Mt. Hood escape. With private hot tubs, Creekside locations, and even a remote cabin that can only be accessed by snowshoe or cross-country skiing, our Government Camp cabins offer you whatever outdoor relaxation you desire!

Browse these gorgeous Government Camp cabin rentals:

• Tom’s Creek Haus
• Marshall Cabin
• Chalet am Berg
• Moosewood Cabin
• Holzhutte
• Cedarwood Lodge

Browse Government Camp Rentals

Mt Hood Vacation Planning

#BookDirect with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals and Save Money!
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Monday, February 1, 2021

Get the Best Value on Your Next Mt Hood Vacation When you Book Direct

What Does it Mean to Book Direct?

Our options for finding the perfect vacation rental have increased tremendously over the past decade. Today, you can shop online and browse thousands of vacation rental homes. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Vrbo and Airbnb make this process easy, but do you know who owns and manages the vacation homes you’re looking at?

The truth is, many of the properties that you see on these sites are actually managed by local property managers, and they’re putting their homes on these sites just to get in front of you. You can often find the exact same vacation rental on the property manager’s local website. Booking Direct means that you make your reservation through the property manager’s local website – like mthoodrentals.com – instead of Vrbo and other 3rd party websites.

Book Direct with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

What Are the Benefits of Booking Direct?

Local, Knowledgeable and Friendly Vacation Planners

When you #BookDirect, you have direct contact with our personable and friendly vacation planners. Our professional and knowledgeable team knows our vacation rentals inside and out. They will assist you in finding the perfect retreat for your Mt Hood getaway. The vacation planners in our locally owned and operated office have a combined 125 years of living and playing at Mt Hood and enjoying everything there is to do here. We can point you in the right direction for restaurants, recreation, activities and more while you plan your vacation.

If you have special needs, Mt Hood Vacation Rentals is here for you. Looking for assistance with your family’s special celebration or a specific request? Do you want to surprise someone with flowers and a bottle of champagne? Or would you like ready-to-bake lasagna in the refrigerator when you arrive? We can make things like this happen for you. As professional vacation rental managers located centrally to all of our vacation homes, we will work with you directly to assist with any of your individual needs and make sure everything is just right before you finalize your vacation plans.

Get Access to Our Entire Inventory

Many of our vacation rentals including our best homes aren’t even listed on Vrbo or Airbnb. Because of the cost of using the listing sites, the best and most popular vacation homes cannot be found on these travel websites. As a matter of fact, only about half of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are listed on OTAs. By limiting your search to the OTAs, you might be missing out on the perfect vacation home for your family or group of friends. When you #BookDirect, you have the best opportunity of finding the the right vacation rental for your Mt Hood vacation.

Book Direct with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Pay Less for the Same Vacation Cabin

Yes, you read that correctly! Rent the same exact cabin you were eyeing on that OTA site without all the extra fees. VRBO, Airbnb and many other OTAs add hundreds of dollars in fees to your booking total. The traveler or service fee that is added on to your booked reservation by the OTAs can be 10% – 15% of the booking total that you pay for your vacation. Most of these fees go to Vrbo and Airbnb, however, many property managers also mark up their prices on these sites to cover their costs. We want to make sure your vacation is perfect and that your budget is not stretched with extra fees when you plan your Mt Hood vacation.

When you #BookDirect with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals, those additional fees are avoided, so you can use that money for a nice meal, lift tickets or a memorable souvenir. Booking direct with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals will always provide the best value for your vacation. We also often have specials and promotions that you can only get when you #BookDirect.

How to Book Directly Through a Vacation Rental Manager

So you understand what booking direct means, and the benefits make it a no-brainer. But how can you find these local property manager’s websites? Here are our top five tips for finding local websites with the best inventory and pricing:

#1 – Do a Google Search Using [Destination] Vacation Rentals

Do a Google Search using [Destination] vacation rentals to start. If you are searching in an area that has alot of vacation rentals, you may need to add more to your search terms. Try something like “[Destination] vacation rentals with hot tubs” or “pet-friendly vacation cabins in [Destination]” or “vacation rental managers in [Destination]”. Often local property manager websites will pop up at the top of the “organic” or unpaid search results. Keep in mind that the first 4 search results are going to be paid ads. Also, try your search in Bing. Fewer companies and OTAs advertise there, so you may find fewer listings to sort through.

#2 – Google Search the Name of the Rental you Found on an OTA

When you find a listing on an OTA that appeals to you, copy and paste the name of the vacation rental and [Destination] in Google or Bing. Usually, the page for that specific vacation rental will pop up just below the paid ads. If the vacation rental does not have a name (Cozy Cabin for example), then copy and paste the first one or two sentences in the description and search in Google or Bing. In most cases, the vacation home information will be in the Vacation Rental Managers’ listing.

#3 – Search Google Local

You know that little map that shows up with local businesses sometimes when you search on Google? That’s called Google Local! You can start out by going to Google Maps and typing in “[Destination] Vacation Rentals”. The names of local property management companies will show up and there will be a link to their website so you can start shopping for the perfect rental.

#4 – Check out the Local Chamber of Commerce Website

Check out the local Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Information Center or Destination Marketing Organization websites. They will have listings for all of the local vacation rental managers as well as for restaurants, shops, attractions and other things to see and do in the area.

#5 – Consult Social Media

Search Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for a “vacation rental manager in [Destination]”. Most vacation rental managers use social media to connect with their guests, so you can find their contact information that way, too.

Book Direct with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals Today

Your cozy cabin getaway is calling! We offer 35 vacation homes with amenities like hot tubs, riverfront settings and so much more. Most are pet-friendly and welcome your dogs, too. Make your reservation today and get access to all of those special #BookDirect perks you’ve been reading about.

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Mt Hood Vacation Planning

Why Midweek Vacations at Mt Hood are the Best
Posted by Tiffany Quillan | Thursday, January 7, 2021

Planning a vacation around a weekend feels like a no-brainer, especially if you have a Monday through Friday job with weekends off. Two free vacation days, right? While weekends at Mt Hood are wonderful, midweek vacations are the real hidden gem. This is especially true now while more people have the ability to work remotely, and while a lot of employers are offering more flexibility to move working hours around. Here are the top reasons you should consider a midweek vacation to a beautiful mountain town like Mt Hood.

#1 – Less Traffic Means More Vacation Time

Traffic can turn a 60 mile trip into a three plus hour drive. Make that round trip and you’re clocking six to eight hours for a quick getaway. At that rate you’ve already blown through two half days that you could’ve spent hiking, skiing or relaxing in the hot tub at your private vacation cabin. When you plan a midweek vacation to Mt Hood you’ll cut down on your driving time significantly, so you can spend more time vacationing and less time staring at the bumper in front of you.

#2 – Less People Means More Room to Explore

We’re all looking for less crowded places lately, and midweek at Mt Hood is the ideal spot. You’ll enjoy less crowds, more space and plenty of fresh mountain air – whether it be cross country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing or hiking. You can take your time on trails and soak in the views. Enjoy a quieter experience and get more nature. You can’t beat midweek if you’re really looking to take a break and connect with nature. Get your socially distanced vacation right when you choose midweek at Mt Hood.

#3 – Less Visitors Means Your Choice of the Best Cabins

How many times have you found the perfect cabin only to look at the calendar and find that your dates are taken? Vacation rentals book out fast for weekends at Mt Hood, but that perfect vacation rental can be yours if you come midweek instead. You don’t have to be shy with your midweek vacation rental search – go for everything you want: private home, hot tub, pet friendly… you name it! You can get all the amenities you’re looking for and find the right location.

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#4 – Lower Prices Means More Money to Play

What’s not to love about getting more for less? Prices throughout Mt Hood are lower during the week than they are on weekends. Vacation rental prices are up to 20% lower during the midweek than they are on weekends. Activities are also less expensive! Lift ticket prices may cost around $129 on peak weekends, but you can ski those same runs for $99 midweek or even $69 if you ski a half day starting at noon. Spend less money on your vacation rental, lift tickets, and other activities and put more in your piggy bank for your next adventure.

Plan Your Midweek Mt Hood Vacation

Get to your destination faster, enjoy less crowds and more space, and spend less money. What’s not to love? Book your midweek vacation with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals today and save up to 20% on your vacation cabin.

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Mt Hood Vacation Planning