Laid-Back Winter Adventures On Mt. Hood

By Guest Author: Matt Wastradowski

Just because you don’t ski or snowboard doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time outdoors on Mt. Hood.

Perhaps the most popular outdoor activity, one with the lowest barrier to entry, is tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl’s Snow Tube Park. With the help of a conveyor, kids of all ages can launch themselves down a snowy hill on inflatable inner tubes for a safe, thrilling experience. When the sun goes down, the hill's lanes light up for Cosmic Tubing — with more than a half-million lights, laser light shows, upbeat music and other high-energy fun for the whole family.

For classic winter vibes, take the family sledding at Snow Bunny Sno-Park just east of Government Camp. The family-friendly sno-park hosts a handful of small hills of varying difficulties, all surrounded by snowy forests of fir, for sledding and tubing. Valian's Sports or Mt. Hood Outfitters in Government Camp are great spots to buy a sled on Mt. Hood.

Tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl is fun for all ages. And thanks to the conveyor belt you don't even have to walk back up the hill!

Up for a little more adventure? Mt. Hood Outfitters rents gear for self-guided adventures and offers snowshoe tours that depart from its shop on the mountain. (For an enchanting night under the stars, consider the outfitter’s moonlight snowshoe tours.) Mt. Hood Outfitters Manager Zach Kelvington says the outings are geared toward snowshoers of all ability levels and generally cover 1.5 to 3 miles.

If you brought a vehicle and want to venture further into the snowy forests nearby, the snowshoe trail at Trillium Lake is among the most popular outdoor destinations anywhere on Mt. Hood; the lollipop loop departs the parking area before arriving at the shore of the lake, where Mount Hood rises over the horizon.

Note that snowshoeing is more taxing than hiking — so inquire with your outfitter about the nature of a trail or guided outing if you’re on the fence about working up a sweat. Even so, Kelvington boasts about the restorative nature of a memorable outing. “The snow really quiets the forest; it's just like a sound dampener, and it's pretty magical,” he says. “There's something very meditative about it.”

The right gear can make your trip, especially in winter. If you’re abstaining from all manner of snow play, Kelvington says you’ll likely be fine with basic layers — a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer and a water-resistant outer shell to protect against wind, rain and snow.

He recommends avoiding cotton if you plan to get outside and play in the snow, since cotton T-shirts and jackets absorb, rather than wick away, all manner of moisture. Instead, he recommends a base layer of merino wool to stay warm. Kelvington also suggests starting your snowshoe outing by wearing one or two fewer layers than you think you’ll need; even if you start out cold, he says, you’ll quickly work up a sweat and will likely feel comfortable after some time on the trail. 

If you forgot gear at home or realized that you’ll need a bit more to stay warm, pick up apparel at Valian's Ski Shop, Mt. Hood Outfitters and Govy General Store. In particular, Valian’s and Mt. Hood Outfitters are staffed by knowledgeable experts who are happy to help you choose among jackets, shirts, pants and other items suited to your needs, budget and desired level of physical activity. 

Whether you’re easing into the day with breakfast or you worked up an appetite on your snowshoe tour, a handful of restaurants specialize in flavorful, filling fare around Government Camp.

Near the eastern edge of town, Glacier House brings a bit of European flair to its eclectic food menu. Bavarian influences show up in the chicken schnitzel dinner, a sausage dog topped with fondue and jalapeños, a giant pretzel served with melty fondue and other dishes. If you're in the mood for something a bit more familiar, Glacier House dishes a wide-ranging selection of burgers, sandwiches and pizza.

Just across the street, the family-owned Huckleberry Inn serves down-home comfort fare for all three meals. Breakfast is the undeniable specialty at the wood-paneled diner, with large portions, pastries and plenty of items adorned with the eatery’s namesake berry.

Still hungry? Learn all about the great restaurants in Government Camp.

One menu item the Glacier House features is a sausage dog topped with fondue and jalapeños.

Whether you're an avid skier or you've never strapped on a pair of ski boots, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum does a fascinating job of breaking down more than a century of outdoor recreation on Mt. Hood. It also serves as the Mt. Hood Visitor Center providing guests with information on what to do and where to go.

The museum's robust offerings spotlight vintage ski displays that date back decades, antique mountaineering equipment and the construction of the iconic Timberline Lodge. Other exhibits include a replica U.S. Forest Service fire lookout, information on the flora and fauna you might find on Mt. Hood and a few items covering the short-lived Skiway Tram, which moved skiers between Government Camp and Timberline Lodge in a renovated city bus in the early 1950s. You can also pick up maps and brochures, purchase recreation passes and grab the perfect souvenir in the museum’s gift shop. 

A number of overnight stays can be found around town, and each offers a unique take on the classic Mt. Hood experience.

The expansive Collins Lake Resort boasts four vacation rental communities with luxurious cabins, well-appointed chalets and comfortable lodge rooms. Some rooms come with private outdoor hot tubs and in-room fireplaces for that added bit of wintry charm, and you’ll receive a discount on rentals and tours at Mt. Hood Outfitters just down the street.

At the other end of Government Camp, the long-running Huckleberry Inn offers more than a filling meal. Options range from cozy rooms with one bed to loft-style suites that sleep up to 10 guests. If you’re not hitting the slopes, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s close proximity to some of the top sites; nothing is more than a five- to 10-minute walk away, even in the snow, and the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum is almost directly across the street. Learn more about an overnight stay at the Huckleberry Inn.

An overnight at the Huckleberry Inn is the perfect way extend your Government Camp adventure.

If you’re inspired to learn all about local history, try a guided snowshoeing tour or laze away a winter weekend in your hot tub, you’ll want to plan ahead and keep a few tips in mind for the best possible winter weekend in Government Camp:

Sno-Park Permit: Snowshoeing at Trillium Lake? Sledding at Snow Bunny? If your plans include visiting one of the officially designated sno-parks on Mt. Hood between November and April, you’ll need a sno-park permit. Available in daily, three-day or annual increments, sno-park permits can be purchased online or at local retailers throughout Government Camp.

Mt. Hood Express: Leave the driving to someone else, especially if you'd be uncomfortable navigating snowy conditions, by taking the Mt. Hood Express. The shuttle bus runs daily between Sandy and Timberline Lodge, with stops in communities along the way and at various points in Government Camp. One-way tickets and day passes can be purchased around Sandy and on board the bus, and limited overnight parking is available in Sandy with advance notice.