People
The Big Burn, or as it was called, “The Big Blowup” saw huge fires in the whole of the Northwest including Idaho, Montana and Washington. Although it wasn’t considered a part of the Big Blowup, that August a wildfire threatened to burn down the towns between Sandy and Government Camp.
Hidden beneath the towering firs of Mount Hood’s forests, the Rhododendron Inn once stood as one of Oregon’s most celebrated mountain retreats. In the early 20th century, it welcomed weary travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Today, the inn is gone, but its story remains—woven into the history of the region.
Near Government Camp, Oregon, within view of Mount Hood, at the Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery
This is an early view of when Billy Welch’s Ranch was in transition from a camp ground to an era of summer cabins.
The area where Government Camp is located had been known by that name since 1849 when the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, enroute from Fort Leavenworth Kansas to Fort Vancouver, attempted to cross over the early Barlow Trail late in the season, possibly November or even December, and were faced with severe winter weather. They abandoned 45 wagons that were loaded with supplies, before descending Laurel Hill and down into the Valley. Since then the area had been known as the government camp.
