Government Camp Trail System

Overview

The Government Camp area has a wide range of trails for all users and skill levels that take you through old growth forests, lakes, streams, meadows of wildflowers and jaw-dropping vistas. Government Camp and the nearby villages of Mt. Hood offer shopping, dining and lodging in a scenic Cascade setting. The area is surrounded by stunning wilderness. Three popular mountain bike areas are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride. There is also an alpine slide, bungee jumping, zip lining, and other family-friendly pursuits. Come spend a few days in the area to enjoy the variety of destinations and activities! The Government Camp area just over an hour from Portland so that you can visit the City and return to the mountain.

Local Info

The trails around the community of Government Camp offer beginner to advanced level riding, The Forest Service mountain bike trails around the town of Government Camp access iconic Timberline Lodge above the town and Trillium Lake below the town. These trails also connect to Rhododendron. The Skibowl Trail system on the south side of Government Camp offers lift assisted downhill riding at its finest for intermediate and advanced riders. Permits can be purchased on site. The BLM's Sandy Ridge Trail system is just 18 miles down the road and offers more world class intermediate and advanced riding. A shuttle bus with bike trailer provides excellent service for all riders.

Visiting Tips

The Government Camp Trails can be snowed in from November to as late as June some years. Timberline to Town would be the latest to melt out. The trails are best in late May, June and early July before they get too dry and dusty. September and October can also be excellent with fall colors ablaze! The Sandy Ridge Trail system is open most of the year unless we get snow down low.

Camping & Lodging

There are numerous lodging options in Government Camp ranging from hotels, to fancy vacation homes, to Forest Service campgrounds. The Mt Hood Area Chamber of Commerce website mthoodchamber.com/mt-hood-l… and mthoodterritory.com/places-…
both offer online lodging options. A lodging brochure is available from the local information centers listed above. Campgrounds in the area include Alpine (near Timberline so it opens later due to snow), Still Creek (located very near Government Camp), and Trillium Lake (located below the town and very popular). Campground information for the area can be found at fs.usda.gov/mthood under the Zigzag Ranger District listings.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

There is full service shopping in Government Camp and Welches. Portland's MAX and Tri-met buses go to Gresham. The Sandy (SAM) bus have bike racks and connect Gresham to Sandy. The Mountain Express Bus (with bike racks and bike trailer when its busy) goes between Sandy and Timberline Lodge with stops. Riders can park in Rhododendron, catch the shuttle to Timberline and ride Timberline to Town Trail, Crosstown Trail #755 and Pioneer Bridle Trail #795 back to Rhododendron. Mountain Express website: mthoodexpress.com

Food & Drink

Government Camp has numerous dining and drinking establishments. Huckleberry Inn is known for its Huckleberry milkshakes. Mt. Hood Brew Pub has excellent locally brewed beer on tap. There are many more options. A dining and shopping guide is available in town. The Mt. Hood Area Chamber of Commerce lists many local options.
mthoodchamber.com/dining-an…

Other Activities

Miles of trails abound in the area accessing high alpine fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, and mountain lakes. Check out the Mt. Hood National Forest for all the options. Area trails are listed under the Zigzag Ranger District.
fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/r…

The Cascadia Center for Arts and Crafts offers classes and workshops in a host of arts and crafts.
cascadiaart.org/

The Mount Hood Museum and Cultural Center offers a look at the mountain, skiing and Forest Service history in the area.
mthoodmuseum.org/

Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl offers an alpine slide, bungee jumping, zip lines, and a host of fun things to do!
skibowl.com/summer/