A Weekend Guide To Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park And Government Camp

By Guest Author: Judiaann Woo

Looking for an easy family getaway? Just about an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park and Government Camp make for a fun and memorable mountain weekend. Many people know Skibowl for its winter ski and snowboard season, but summer transforms the mountain into an adventure destination with activities for all ages.

Set in the scenic Mt. Hood National Forest, the park spans nearly 1,000 acres of alpine meadows and forest, offering outdoor adventure alongside iconic mountain views. With flexible passes, on-site dining and its close proximity to Portland, it works just as well for a day trip as it does for an overnight escape.

Whenever possible, I like to head out on Friday afternoon so we can arrive in time to settle in, enjoy a relaxing dinner and wake up rested for a full day of exploring.

Since Skibowl is located in Government Camp, staying nearby just makes sense. Less time in the car means more time enjoying the mountain. For this trip, we stayed at Collins Lake Resort, a family- and pet-friendly base with spacious condos, full kitchens, private decks and two outdoor pools plus a hot tub for unwinding after the drive.

Once settled, it's an easy walk into Government Camp. Restaurants, cafés, pubs and small shops are all nearby, so you can leave the car parked and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

For dinner, The Ratskeller is a relaxed local favorite just across the street. Glacier Public House offers a casual pub menu with a few international touches and more vegetarian-friendly options than you typically find in mountain towns. If you're looking for something a little more elevated, the Cascade Dining Room at Timberline Lodge offers classic Northwest dining with spectacular mountain views.

Start the morning with breakfast at the Huckleberry Inn, known for hearty portions and giant donuts. Their huckleberry pie and milkshakes are especially worth ordering. Yes, I let my kids order milkshakes at breakfast because it's their favorite part of dining there, and vacation rules apply. It's the perfect way to fuel up before a full day at the park.

Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park is just five minutes away and offers something for every age and adventure level. You can purchase individual attraction tickets or choose a bundled pass for unlimited rides, with online booking often offering the best value.

If you're chasing thrills, don't miss Oregon's only half-mile dual alpine slide, free-fall bungee jumping, ziplines, the summer tubing hill, go-karts and bungee trampolines. Looking for a slower pace? Take in the scenery from the Sky Chair, challenge each other to a round of disc golf or visit the Cascade Mining Sleuth, where kids can sift for gold and colorful gemstones. If you're looking for a challenge, don't skip the rock wall. It was tougher than it looked!

One of the things I like most about Skibowl is that you don't have to do everything. Build the day around your family's interests, mixing high-energy attractions with scenic rides, quieter activities and plenty of breaks along the way.

After a full afternoon at the park, head back into Government Camp for dinner or make use of your condo's kitchen or outdoor grill. A relaxing evening by the pool or in the hot tub is the perfect way to end the day.

Before heading home, stop at Mt. Hood Baking Co., one of our family's favorite breakfast spots for fresh pastries, breads, quiches, and seasonal treats.

Afterward, slow the pace with a hike on the Old Salmon River Trail, a shaded riverside trail just off Highway 26. A $5 U.S. Forest Service day pass is required for parking and can be purchased at the Mt. Hood Outfitters retail store next to Collins Lake Resort before leaving Government Camp, or at REI and other outdoor retailers ahead of time. The trail follows the Salmon River through old-growth forest and can be explored at your own pace, either self-guided or with a guide.

On the drive back to Portland, make one final stop at the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring. It's a fitting Pacific Northwest finale, part folklore, part roadside attraction and a fun reminder of the forests, trails and mountain landscapes that made the weekend memorable.