A Lost Landmark of Government Camp
This historic photo captures the Mountain View Inn under heavy snow during the 1940s. Once a well-known hotel in Government Camp, Oregon, the inn played a key role in the town’s early ski culture. However, in 1955, a fire destroyed the building, leaving only memories behind.
A Pioneer Homestead Becomes a Hotel
The building originally belonged to Lena Little, wife of Francis C. Little, a pioneer homesteader. It first served as a private residence, but later, workers moved it to the north side of the main road in Government Camp. This relocation allowed it to become a hotel, serving visitors drawn to the growing ski scene.
Jack Rafferty’s Lodge and the War Years
After the move, Jack Rafferty leased the building and transformed it into a hotel and ski lodge. At first, he named it Rafferty’s or Rafferty’s Hut. Later, he purchased the property, establishing it as a local business.
During its early years, the hotel also went by the name Tyrolian Lodge, reflecting Government Camp’s Alpine influence. However, World War II forced the hotel to close, as tourism slowed and many businesses struggled.
A New Era: The Mountain View Inn
After the war, Harry Albright reopened the lodge and renamed it The Mountain View Inn. As tourism grew, Government Camp became a major skiing destination. With more visitors arriving, the inn became a popular stop for travelers heading to Mount Hood.
A Fiery End in 1955
In 1955, tragedy struck when the Mountain View Inn burned down. It once stood across the street from Daar’s Ski Shop, which later became Charlie’s Mountain View, a well-known landmark today.
Although the inn is gone, its history survives through photographs and stories. This image, showing the snow-covered hotel, serves as a reminder of Government Camp’s past and its early skiing culture.