Government Camp Travel Guide

This is not a place I'd travel to dine in or would rave about but, much like the hotel, it was better than expected. As you'd probably guess, the place is incredibly casual and, since there's almost nothing else Government Camp, its either this or a journey up the mountain. I ate here twice and both meals were fine. The menu is mostly traditional bar food, but the steak was actually pretty decent. The burgers are good and, from what I heard, the pizzas are as well. The prices are pretty reasonable too.

The beer selection was outstanding. The sampler of eight different local selections was enough to make me forget some of the dissappointment over not being able to climb the next day.

Most of the skiiers and climbers stop here after exiting the mountain, so it gets pretty crowded in the early evening. Still, its not an apres ski scene by any stretch of the imagination. Everyone heads out early and the place closes around 10.

If you love psuedo Pro Snowboarders who cannot construct complete sentences then this is your joint. Swanky (if you consider dirt "Swank") drunkeness is highlighted by the lack of approachable women. Female to Male ratio of about 1 to 20 results in many surly episodes. Fun if you just turned 21 (or have'nt yet) but less respectable than Charlie-O's accross the street...

Dress Code: Clothing and manners optional.

Timothy Lake is just a short hop down 26 and a few miles on forest road 52 (I think). Try renting a pair of snow shoes in Govy and truckin in the many meadows around the area.

Favorite thing: There are two convenience stores at Government Camp. The second is larger and has pretty much everything you need to stock up for camping or daily excursions on the mountain. Surprisingly, I couldn't find any Poptarts, but that probably would not disappoint too many people other than myself. But there was plenty of sugar laden energy fuel for even the longest backpacking trip.

This is also your only stop for miles and there's no place at Timberline where you can get supplies other than water and soda, so if you're planning on an extended hike, this would be a good place to stop beforehand.