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Government Camp Trail System

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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.

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.

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/

Gems in Government Camp Trail System - 1

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Gems

gem Favorite From its dam, Trillium Lake has an iconic view of Mt. Hood and its reflection. Photo by Gene Blick.

Mt. Hood from Trillium Lake

(6) Governm…, OR

Recommended Routes in Government Camp Trail System - 2

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite From its dam, Trillium Lake has an iconic view of Mt. Hood and its reflection. Photo by Gene Blick.
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761

1.9 mi 3.1 km 17' Up 5.31 m Up 17' Down 5.23 m Down

Governm…, OR
Explore in 3D
Favorite A group of hikers heads to Mt. Hood on the Mountaineer Loop Trail.
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

Mountaineer Loop Trail #798

2.9 mi 4.7 km 1,068' Up 325.38 m Up 1,063' Down 324.12 m Down

Governm…, OR
Explore in 3D

Government Camp Trail System Hiking

  • 57 Miles 92 Kilometers of Trail
  • 2 Recommended Routes
  • 1 Gem Gems
  • 9 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 17 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 6 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Share what you know about this area!

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Trails in Government Camp Trail System - 30

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails

6.9 mi 11.1 km #1Paradise Park Trail #778
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
3.1 mi 5.0 km #2Cool Creek Trail #794
Difficult Difficult
Mount Hood Village, OR
Difficult Difficult
Mount Hood Village, OR
2.0 mi 3.2 km #3Flag Mountain Trail #766
Intermediate Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
Intermediate Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
0.8 mi 1.3 km #4Castle Canyon Trail #765
Difficult Difficult
Mount Hood Village, OR
Difficult Difficult
Mount Hood Village, OR
8.2 mi 13.2 km #5Pioneer Bridle Trail #795
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
0.7 mi 1.2 km #6Barlow Trail #601A
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
3.2 mi 5.1 km #7Dry Fir Trail #674A
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
0.5 mi 0.9 km #8Little Zigzag Falls Trail #795C
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mount Hood Village, OR
5.3 mi 8.6 km #9Timberline to Town Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Government Camp, OR
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Government Camp, OR
2.8 mi 4.5 km #10Crosstown Trail #755
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR
Intermediate Intermediate
Government Camp, OR

Photos of Government Camp Trail System - 96

Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos

Little Zigzag Falls is a scenic destination for a kid-friendly hike. Photo courtesy of www.MtHoodTerritories.com
Oct 13, 2016 near Governm…, OR
The iconic 'mirror' of Mirror Lake lives up to its name.  Photo by USFS.
Dec 31, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Mirror Lake Trail is colorful in fall and offers great views. Photo by Justin Watts.
Jan 9, 2017 near Governm…, OR
A blue heron stands amongst the waterlilies on Trillium Lake's north end. Photo by Gene Blick.
Jan 16, 2017 near Governm…, OR
From its dam, Trillium Lake has an iconic view of Mt. Hood and its reflection. Photo by Gene Blick.
Jan 16, 2017 near Governm…, OR
The Milky Way above Devils Peak Lookout.
Aug 23, 2019 near Governm…, OR
Mt Hood from Tom, Dick & Harry
Feb 5, 2020 near Governm…, OR
Mt. Jefferson from Tom Dick and Harry Mountain.
Jul 19, 2020 near Governm…, OR
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