Government Camp Trip Ideas
Take the Gorge to Mountain shuttle from Hood River to this small walkable alpine town full of great local restaurants and outdoor play. Click here for a schedule. The town is just a mile from end to end with three bus stops to choose from (East, Mid-Town & West). You can ask your driver to stop at any of them as you arrive (or flag the driver down at any of the three on your way home).
Where to eat & play
Double click on each picture to learn more
Any Day
[Spend the day in Government Camp: 7 Hours]
The first shuttle of the day leaves the Hood River waterfront Event Site (park & ride) at 7:10am, arriving in Government Camp at 8:30am. You then have 7 glorious hours to play before heading back on the 3:20pm shuttle.
As you arrive, ask the driver to let you off at the second stop in the middle of the town, the Mid-Town bus stop.
Breakfast
Hungry? Grab a coffee and giant cinnamon roll from Huckleberry Inn just 2 blocks East from the bus stop.
Winter Hiking
When you’re ready to hike, head West for .4 miles (8 mins) until you reach Maggie’s Trailhead (next to Thunderhead Lodge).
(If you need snowshoes, stop by Mt Hood Outfitters on the way to rent. They also have tours and mid-week snowmobile rentals.)
Choose from the easier 1.6 mile loop (estimated 35 mins) up Skyway Trail and down through town on Blossom Trail Street.
Or do the 4 mile Crosstown Trail loop (estimated 1.5 hours) following Maggies Trail West for 1 mile, turning right onto the Crosstown Trail until it ends at Summit Pass.
Skiing & Tubing
Summit Pass is a ski area located right across the street from the East Bus Stop. Bring your own ski or snowboarding gear on the bus or rent when you arrive. They have 3 downhill runs, nordic trails & 3 tube hills. Tubbing is $27/person and includes the tube.
Mt Hood Ski Bowl East (Snow Tube & Adventure Park) is a 10 min walk from the Mid-Town bus stop. They feature day tubing on weekends and some weekday options during the season. 90 minute sessions are reserved in advance and range from $25 – $36.
Lunch
Grab lunch at Charlies Mountain View or get a free taco when you show your Gorge Pass at The Taco Shoppe. They have creative and delicious dishes made from scratch (including crispy handmade chips) and cocktails to go. Other options include the Glacier Public House, Ratskeller Pizza, High Mountain Cafe (with arcade in the back), and Mt Hood Brewing Co (next to the West Bus Stop).
Museum
Before you leave town, be sure to check out the Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum with a collection of ski gear through the years, a Forest Service exhibit and history of town. Definitely worth a look. Entrance is by donation.
Want more time? Stay overnight. Government Camp is full of great places within walking distance from the bus stops. Staying over gives you access to nighttime cosmic tubing at Skibowl East.