Battle Axe Inn, Government Camp, Oregon

The Battle Axe Inn: Government Camp’s Original Hub of Activity

The Battle Axe Inn: The heart of Mount Hood’s south side

For many years, the Battle Axe Inn in Government Camp stood as the heart of Mount Hood’s south side. It hosted search and rescue operations, community dances, and winter holiday celebrations. Skiers and travelers alike found comfort beside its massive stone fireplace after long, cold days in the snow.

The Vision of Everett Sickler

The inn was the lifelong dream of Everett Sickler. As a young man, he worked at a hotel in Yellowstone National Park, where the experience sparked his desire to run a mountain lodge of his own. He later found design inspiration in an advertisement by Johns Manville Roofing, which featured a rustic structure that matched his vision.

In 1925, Sickler hired Hood River contractor Albert Krieg and his sons to bring the idea to life. While Sickler initially hoped to use logs, Krieg suggested a more cost-effective alternative. They constructed the frame from dimensional lumber and covered it with slabbed log siding, giving it the look of a log cabin without the cost. Construction totaled $3,600—no small sum for the time. That winter, Sickler and his wife Belle Pierce Sickler opened the lodge for business.

Rustic Style and Handmade Detail

Inside, the inn featured a dining room and guest accommodations designed with a warm, handcrafted aesthetic. Wood-paneled walls, log beams, and a grand rock fireplace created a cozy atmosphere. Pioneer relics and Native American artifacts added historical character. The centerpiece was a circular staircase spiraling around a thick central log pillar. Much of the furniture was built by local artisans in the rustic style.

Expansion and the Notorious Toboggan Run

The following year, Sickler expanded the property. He once again hired the Krieg family to construct the Battle Axe Inn Recreation Hall as an addition to the old lodge. The three-story structure measured 50 by 90 feet and quickly became a central feature of Government Camp.

After acquiring the entire stock of skis from the Marshall-Wells Company in Portland, Sickler converted the Rec Hall into a ski shop with rentals. In addition, it featured a dual-track toboggan slide equipped with a cable return system. It’s said that under ideal snow conditions, speeds on the run could exceed 60 miles per hour. However, the ride was dangerous—accidents were common, and injuries frequent. As a result, the toboggan slide was eventually closed due to rising insurance costs and liability risks.

New Owners and Hard Times

Despite its charm, the Battle Axe Inn never achieved financial stability. In 1929, Henry and Margaret Villiger visited Government Camp with their daughter Marcel and her friend Gertrude Jensen. Captivated by the place, the Villigers purchased the inn for $23,000.

Then came the Great Depression. Business declined rapidly. Monthly payments were reduced from $350 to just $30. Meanwhile, in an effort to stabilize operations, the Rec Hall was moved and physically connected to the main lodge. This new annex included a taproom, grocery store, coffee shop, laundry room, and upstairs dormitories—transforming the inn into a more complete resort operation.

A New Era with Gertrude Jensen

After Henry’s death in 1938, Margaret continued to manage the business. In 1947, she sold the property to Gertrude Jensen for a reported $85,000. Jensen brought renewed energy and big plans. She wanted to reopen the toboggan slide, modernize the facilities, and improve food service.

To help execute her vision, she hired Hjalmar Hvam—a famous skier and ski equipment innovator—to operate the ski shop. She also brought in Chester Chin of Portland’s well-known Chin’s Buffet to manage the cafeteria. Meanwhile, her son was tasked with overseeing the toboggan operation.

Unfortunately, Jensen soon faced a series of challenges. The cost of running the expanded resort, combined with necessary repairs, proved overwhelming. Her declining health made matters worse. Eventually, she returned to Portland and handed the property back to Margaret Villiger.

The Final Years

Margaret later sold the inn to Warren Huff, who ran the business for just two more years. On Monday, November 6, 1950, the Battle Axe Inn closed its doors for the final time. Though it no longer stands, its legacy as a symbol of community, recreation, and ambition on Mount Hood lives on.