Government Camp, Oregon

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Center of business district in Government Camp

Government Camp is an unincorporated community located in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States, south of Mount Hood and north of Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain. It is a gateway to several ski resorts, the most popular being Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Skibowl. Also, Government Camp has its own smaller ski resort, Summit Ski Area, a perfect place for beginners. And, somewhat farther (about 25 minutes on Hwy 26), there is another very popular resort: Mount Hood Meadows.

The community is located within the Mount Hood Corridor on U.S. Route 26 (aka the Mount Hood Scenic Byway), near its intersection with Oregon State Route 35 and the Barlow Pass summit of the Cascade Range.

Government Camp was given its name by settlers traveling the Barlow Road, who discovered several wagons abandoned there by the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.

Over the last decade, Government Camp went through a massive revitalization effort, thanks to a Clackamas County urban renewal district. With that district expected to expire in 2007, the community has been looking at ways to maintain current services. At a town hall meeting on November 17, 2006, citizens voted not to form a village 41-58. Many residents voted against the proposal in order to seek incorporation [1]. The community is still exploring its options.