Portland, Oregon offers many awesome weekend getaways, but one of the best is staying the weekend in Government Camp. Government Camp is a small town located right at the foot of Mt. Hood and is a great place to visit all year around.
It offers a variety of lodging choices from cabins, bed and breakfast, to luxury upscale vacation homes. We recently stayed at the Grand Lodges, which are brand new privately owned condos. The offer great views of Mt. Hood, pool and spa, and also comfortable beds. There is also a kitchen and plenty of flat screen televisions.
As for restaurants, like any small town, you are a little limited. But this is also what makes it great. No big chain restaurants, all are small quaint local restaurants that offer quality dinning and great food. We really enjoyed the High Mountain Cafe. Their breakfast burrito was delicious and huge!
There are plenty of activities in and around Government Camp. During the winter, obviously skiing is king, but many for get that there is a lot to do during the summer. There are two scenic hiking trails that offer great views and a closeness with nature. First the hike to Mirrow Lake, which is about a 3 mile round trip. It is pretty easy, so much so my 4 year old could do it. The second is an extension of the hike to Mirror Lake, but it takes you to the a peak or Tom, Dick, and Harry. This hike is 6 miles round trip and offers breath taking views of Mt. Hood.
Beautiful view of Mt. Hood from Mirror Lake.
When you are done hiking and you want to be entertained try the Adventure Park at Ski Bowl. This ski resort during the winter turns in to a fun outdoor adventure park complete with Go-karts to a Zip Line. You will spend hours, especially with kids, having loads of fun on all the rides. We really enjoyed competing against each other on the go-karts. When you are all done at the adventure park area, drive a little ways down to another part of Ski Bowl and spend hours on the Alpine Slide. This is a 1/2 mile track that lets you speed down the mountain through a bunch of twists and turns. This is fun for the entire family.
Dr. Justin Marostica a Tigard Dentist enjoying the Alpine Slide at Ski Bowl.
All of these activities along with relaxing at the pool will make for a wonderful weekend. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The best part is that you are only an hour outside of Portland, but you will feel like you had been on distant vacation.
Post written by Dr. Justin Marostica of Tigard TenderCare Dental
