More Info
Amenities in Government Camp
Government Camp is located at the bottom of the access road to Timberline Lodge. Originally a government outpost during the construction of the Barlow Trail Road across Mt. Hood, “Govy” is a village not a town. Within the village of Government Camp you will find everything a small community needs; groceries, gas, restaurants, local watering holes, equipment rentals and sales, ski and snowboard clothing sales, liquor store, post office, museums, and etc. Washer and dryer facilities are available in Govy. During the summer months, Govy is the snowboard capital of the world and draws young adults from around the globe to ski and ride beautiful Mt. Hood. Windell’s and High Cascade Snowboard camps are just two of the world-renowned training camps that call Govy home.
The “Big” City
Portland is located just 60 minutes from Government Camp. As you leave Govy and head toward Portland on Highway 26 West, you will encounter many smaller communities and towns along the way. Only 10 miles from Govy is Rhododendron, another couple of miles is Zig Zag and Welches, about 10 miles out of Welches you hit Sandy, then Gresham…then Portland. The further west you go, the larger the towns become. Pretty much everything you would ever need, you can find in Sandy. For the real night-life of the city, downtown Portland has it all.
Transportation
The Timberline shuttle provides free transportation between Government Camp and the Lodge. Inexpensive public transportation ($2 per ride) is available from Government Camp all the way to Gresham via the Mt. Hood Express. From Gresham, the MAX trains link all parts of Portland.
What To Bring
The weather and temperatures on Mt. Hood range dramatically from summer to winter. During summer months, temperatures can reach up into the 70s even at the Lodge…they can also dip to below freezing. During winter months, temperatures average between 10 and 50 degrees with high winds. Mt. Hood has been said to have some of the most extreme winter weather anywhere in the world. Plan for all occasions and come prepared. Two of the most essential items you can own are a great pair of warm, water resistant boots and a well insulated jacket. If you will be living in staff housing, call ahead to see what furnishings are provided. Even when beds are provided, you must bring your own bedding.
Uniforms
You will be provided your uniform. Uniforms and name tags must be returned in good condition at the end of the season. Staff is responsible for laundering of their uniforms with the exception of kitchen whites, which will be laundered by Timberline. Timberline often has discount programs with clothing and equipment vendors allowing you to buy items at below retail prices. You will also receive a 20% discount in Timberline’s retail outlets.
