A-frames near Government Camp with horseback riding

At the base of Mount Hood, Government Camp is a small tourist village servicing the nearby ski resorts at Mount Hood. It’s one of the last spots to stock up on supplies before heading south into the Mount Hood National Forest, known for its lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and ample camping opportunities. Government Camp and its surroundings are popular both with day trippers from nearby Portland and overnight guests, and the region offers a variety of recreation opportunities in winter and summer alike, both up at the ski resorts at Mount Hood, and further afield in the massive Mount Hood National Forest.

Mount Hood

The main attraction in the Government Camp area is Mount Hood. While skiing, snowboarding, and inner tubing are the main draws here, it’s also fun to just head up to Timberline Lodge (made famous by Stanley Kubrick's film, The Shining) for dinner or a cup of hot cocoa.

Local Lakes

Government Camp makes a great jumping-off point for exploring area lakes, particularly in the hot summer months. Popular spots for swimming include Trillium Lake, Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, and Frog Lake.

Warm Springs Reservation

For a drastic change in scenery, make your way south to Warm Springs, about a 45-minute drive away. Here you can learn about indigenous cultures at the Museum At Warm Springs or simply explore the desert landscape—keep an eye out for wild mustangs who live in the area.

Government Camp and its surroundings are popular year round, and while summer temperatures can reach as high as the 80s, winters tend to be cool and snowy. Ski season varies by year, but usually starts in early December and goes until May. Cold-weather activities include skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, while the summer months are popular for mountain biking, disc golf, and taking thrilling rides down the half-mile-long Alpine Slide.