Tag: government camp

Map Turn – Mt Hood Highway 26

Make no mistake — that map up there is the real thing
by Paul Keller

HUNCHBACK MOUNTAIN — This dispatch is being written, believe it or not, inside “The Map” — approximately North Dakota, maybe eastern Montana.

If you’re new here, “The Map” is the namesake of Map Turn — Highway 26’s answer to the masked executioner.

Map Turn is the sweeping curve located west of Government Camp — just downslope from the new truck escape ramp — where several persons have perished in auto accidents in recent years. Eleven to date, according to Hoodland Fire Chief Don Arnimroot. (Interesting footnote: since the state highway department’s safety improvements were installed recently — including the truck escape ramp, new guardrails and better signing — Map Turn has failed to injure anyone!).

All past victims, however, failed to negotiate the fatal Map Turn bend: careening off the brim, down into the teeth of Laurel Canyon. D.O.A.

Hence, Map Turn — at least prior to these highway improvements — had achieved it’s own notoriety. Sort of a lethal hall of life hero. That potential executioner waiting to send the next unfortunate motorist on to St. Peter’s Gate.

But back to the story. Why tag it “Map Turn?” What and where is this “map,” anyway?

To understand the nomenclature, apply the brakes and pull your heap over on this popular corner. Then look west, my friend, look west.

Up there (the here where I now sit) on the eastern facing backbone of distant Hunchback’s ridge, you’ll see it. How unmistakable, really. The Map.

The map of our United States that is.

An almost perfect rendition, too. Including a well defined Florida, the New England states, and — who knows how — even Alaska. Shortcomings include an omission of the Hawaiian Islands and a dwarfed Texas. (Nobody’s perfect).

Now about those long mulled tales defending this as a logged parcel of land purposely chain-sawed and tailored by man. Pure hogwash.

Take it from this hiking boot sore reporter. The Map is a natural phenomenon. A field of giant gray boulders and a few stubborn trees.

Goodness knows how this big stone pockmark ever took on the spitting image of America the Beautiful.

In fact, maybe the roadside term shouldn’t be dismissed as simply the land-mark for a well known highway turn that affords an unblemished view of it.

Perhaps this mysterious handiwork by Mom Nature — or whatever deity you prefer — might be the Mount Hood Corridor’s own sleeping version to England’s intriguing Stonehenge.

At least an appreciative cartographical society might consider somehow honoring our natural tribute to the good old U.S. of A.

Well it’s high time I trudged back down and filed this story. What? How did I get up here in the first place? That’s for you to figure out.

Try using, pardon the repetition, a map.

Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery

The Historic Gravesites at Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery: A Legacy of the Oregon Trail

Near Government Camp, Oregon, within view of Mount Hood, at the Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery, a small white picket fence encloses three pioneer graves. These simple markers remind visitors of the dangers faced by emigrants traveling the Barlow Road, the final and most treacherous stretch of the Oregon Trail. Though many call it a cemetery, it is not an official burial ground. Instead, it holds historic gravesites, marking the final resting places of some of Mount Hood’s earliest travelers.

A Resting Place Along the Barlow Road

In 1846, Samuel Kimbrough Barlow carved out an overland route around the Columbia River Gorge. This trail became known as the Barlow Road, an alternative to the dangerous river route. However, the journey remained treacherous.

As they neared Mount Hood, pioneers used Summit Meadow as a final place to rest and recover before crossing the Cascade Mountains. Unfortunately, some never left. As a result, families buried those who perished in the meadow’s soft ground.

Marked Graves at Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery

Inside the white picket fence, are three stones marking three graves. One belongs to Baby Barclay, while the other marks the grave of Perry Vickers. A third, unmarked gravestone stands next to them. According to local stories, Perry Vickers helped bury the Barclay child, even building a small wooden box for the burial.

Just outside the fenced area, another stone plaque honors Baby Morgan, who died on October 24, 1847 at Summit Meadow. Although these are the only visible graves, they represent countless unnamed pioneers who never reached Oregon’s fertile valleys who lie in unmarked graves.

Perry Vickers: A Mount Hood Legend

Among the graves rests Perry A. Vickers (1845–1883), an early settler, mountaineer, and innkeeper. He arrived in Oregon in 1865 and built Summit House, a way station for weary travelers along the Barlow Road. His lodge offered food, supplies, and shelter to those crossing the mountains.

In addition to running the lodge, Vickers became Mount Hood’s first known climbing guide. In 1870, he lit bonfires near Illumination Rock, hoping people in Portland could see them. Because of this, he helped promote Mount Hood as a climbing destination.

Tragically, his life ended in 1883. While serving on a posse, he was shot and killed. To honor his legacy, his final resting place became his beloved home at Summit Meadow, where he had spent much of his life helping others.

Perry Vickers buried in the Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery.

No Entry, No Official Cemetery

Though the white picket fence surrounds these graves, there is no entrance. The lack of a gate or walkway reinforces that this was never a formal cemetery. Instead, it serves as a memorial, preserving the history of a few Barlow Road pioneers.

A Reminder of Oregon’s Pioneer Past

The gravesites at Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery offer a glimpse into Oregon’s pioneer era. More importantly, they remind visitors of the sacrifices, struggles, and stories of those who made the journey west.

Even though the markers are few, their significance remains powerful. Ultimately, they tell the story of hope, hardship, and survival in Oregon’s early days

Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery

The Red Devil Toboggan Slide

The Red Devil Toboggan Slide – Government Camp’s Thrill Ride

A Short-Lived Toboggan Slide

In the late 1920s, Government Camp became a hub for winter recreation. In 1927, the Portland Advertising Club built a toboggan slide, ski jump, and ski runs at the east end of town. The slide gave visitors an exciting way to enjoy the snow.

Unfortunately, a fierce windstorm in 1931 destroyed the original structure. Fallen trees crushed the wooden slide, forcing organizers to rebuild. As a result, they constructed a new and improved toboggan slide that same year. The Red Devil Toboggan Slide.

The Red Devil Toboggan Slide, Government Camp Oregon

The Birth of the Red Devil Toboggan Slide

The second slide was longer, faster, and more thrilling than its predecessor. Because of its extreme speed, locals nicknamed it the “Red Devil.” It had a dual-track system and a cable that pulled toboggans back to the top.

Under ideal conditions, riders could reach speeds of 60 miles per hour. As a result, the slide became a major attraction, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from all over. Eventually, the surrounding area even took on the name Red Devil Hill because of the slide’s popularity.

The Red Devil Toboggan Slide, Government Camp Oregon

The Slide Becomes Too Dangerous

However, speed and excitement came with risks. Toboggans sometimes flew off the track, and riders suffered injuries. Over time, accidents increased, and concerns over safety grew.

By 1935 or 1936, the slide was dismantled. Instead, organizers installed one of the first rope tows in the region. Therefore, the focus shifted from tobogganing to skiing, marking a new era for Government Camp.

Summit Ski Area, Government Camp Oregon. What was once the Red Devil Toboggan Slide, Government Camp Oregon

A Legacy That Lives On

The Red Devil Toboggan Slide is gone, but the land still serves as a winter recreation area. Today, it is part of Summit Ski Area, the second-oldest continuously operating ski area in the United States. Originally established in 1927, Summit was first known as the Winter Sports Facility and even served as a rescue base for lost skiers. In 2018, Timberline Lodge’s operators purchased the area and renamed it Summit Pass.

Looking ahead, Summit will play a key role in easing access to Timberline Lodge. Plans are underway to construct a tram that will transport visitors between Government Camp and Timberline, reducing parking congestion at the popular ski resort. While the Red Devil Toboggan Slide is now part of history, the land continues to evolve, serving generations of winter sports enthusiasts.

Summit Ski Area, Government Camp Oregon. What was once the Red Devil Toboggan Slide, Government Camp Oregon

Echoes from Pompeii Oregon

The Early Days of Government Camp Oregon

There’s a ton of excellent information in this 1911 Oregonian article about the very early days Government Camp/Pompeii Oregon.

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.

Oliver Yocum, one of the original homesteaders there, was petitioning the postal service for a post office there. He wanted to name the town Government Camp, but the post office had a rule that the name couldn’t be two words, which always seemed to be odd to me considering New York had a post office, but I digress… O. C. Yocum decided that, due to it’s position on the side of a volcano, he would name the town Pompeii Oregon. That didn’t last long before the post office adopted its proper name – Government Camp Oregon.

“The Sunday Oregonian – Sun, May 14, 1911

POMPEII ENJOYS BOOM – SETTLEMENT IN SHADOW OF MOUNT HOOD SHOWS LIFE

Sawmill, Hotel, Water Works, and Electric Lighting and Power Plant Being Built.

The sawmill erected at Pompeii, Government Camp, by O. C. Yocum four years ago collapsed on March 5, causing Mr. Yocum a loss of $3,000. However, it is now being rebuilt by Elijah Coalman, who recently bought the 120-acre tract and Mountain Hotel there.

Transfer of the machinery for the new sawmill was accomplished under remarkable difficulties. Mr. Coalman took possession of the property at Pompeii on March 9 and began erecting the new sawmill. The machinery was hauled by horses to within three miles of Pompeii on wagons. The last three miles of the trip were made on sleds drawn by man power over eight feet of snow. Despite the difficulties, the men, under the direction of Mr. Coalman, overcame the challenges, and the sawmill is now nearing completion. Mr. Coalman expects to start cutting lumber for the new hotel in about 10 days. He currently has about 75,000 feet of logs in the mill yard.

The Meldrum Flume Company has its piping for Pompeii on the ground, and by the middle of summer, the water system will be completed and operational. The surplus water from the plant will be used for power purposes and to operate an electric lighting plant.

Pompeii was founded and named by veteran mountain guide and pioneer, O. C. Yocum. It is the last and only place from which the ascent of Mount Hood can be made from the south side. There will be six hotels in Western Hood this year—one each at Pompeii, Rhododendron, Welch, Maulden, Brightwood, and Howard. Another hotel is under construction on Salmon River for the Mount Hood Hotel Company by Kern & Routledge.

The new Mountain House at Pompeii will contain 50 rooms; the Mount Hood Hotel Company will offer 40 rooms, and the other resorts have been improved and enlarged.”

The Mountain View Inn

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.

The Mt Hood Skiway Tram
. The Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with a plan to create an aerial tramway to Timberline Lodge on the south slope of Mount Hood from Government Camp, the gathering spot for every activity on The Mountain. It was to be called The Skiway

The Mt Hood Skiway Tram

The Mt. Hood Skiway Tram: The City Bus Tramway to Timberline Lodge

A Vision Before Its Time

In 1947, with World War II over, a new era of recreation began. Skiing had been gaining popularity before the war, and now that peace had returned, people were eager to hit the slopes once again. Mount Hood’s ski scene was entering a golden age, and a group of visionaries saw an opportunity to revolutionize access to Timberline Lodge. The Mt Hood Skiway Tram

That year, the Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with an ambitious plan—an aerial tramway connecting Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. The project was named The Skiway (pronounced “Skyway”). If successful, it would provide a convenient alternative to the old Timberline Road, making the mountain more accessible to skiers.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram

The Need for a Tramway

At the time, transportation to Timberline Lodge was limited. Options included:

  • Driving the old road (often rough and challenging)
  • Paying 50 cents for the Timberline bus
  • Hitchhiking (a common but unreliable choice)

If a skier drove, they typically carpooled with others, skied the Glade or Alpine Trails back to Government Camp, and then had to return for the car at the end of the day. The tramway offered a new solution—a skier could ride the tram up, ski all day, and then either take the tram back down or ski back to town.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram

An Engineering Feat

Construction began in 1948, and the project’s design was truly innovative. The plan called for a city bus to function as a tram car, suspended by cables and propelled using a pulley system. Inspired by loggers’ sky hook yarding mechanisms, the bus would be self-propelled, gripping the cable with wheels that guided it up or down the slope.

A lodge at the lower terminal in Government Camp would serve as the passenger station. It featured:

  • A loading platform on the upper level
  • A restaurant, restrooms, and waiting lounge
  • A gift shop

The upper terminal was located at the west end of Timberline Lodge, where passengers could quickly access the ski runs.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram

Challenges and Delays

By 1949, the lodge and tramway towers were completed. However, that same year, a new Timberline Road was opened, providing a shorter, smoother, and safer drive. This easier road access made the tramway seem less necessary.

The winters of 1950 and 1951 brought heavy snowfall, further delaying the project. Originally scheduled to open in early 1950, the Skiway’s first official run was postponed until January 3, 1951. Despite initial excitement, the novelty quickly wore off.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram

Mt Hood Skiway Tram Downfall

Several factors contributed to the Skiway’s struggles:

  • Competition with the new road – Driving to Timberline became easier and more convenient.
  • Cost concerns – The tram fare was 75 cents, while the Timberline bus only cost 50 cents.
  • Profitability issues – Mt Hood Skiway Tram failed to generate enough revenue to sustain operations.

Despite the enthusiasm of early skiers, the financial strain proved too much. After years of struggling, Mt Hood Skiway Tram closed in 1956.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram

A Forgotten Piece of Mount Hood History

Although short-lived, the Mt. Hood Skiway remains a fascinating chapter in the region’s ski history. It was a bold experiment, one that showcased the ambition of those eager to bring innovative transportation solutions to Mount Hood.

Today, few traces of the Skiway remain, but its story lives on as a reminder of a time when skiing was still finding its place in the Pacific Northwest.

Mt Hood Skiway Tram
Mt Hood Skiway Tram
/mount-hood/the-mt-hood-skiway

Government Camp Oregon

The History of Government Camp, Oregon

A Historic Mountain Town on Mount Hood

Perched at 4,000 feet in elevation on the south face of Mount Hood, Government Camp, Oregon, has long been known as a ski town. Long before ski resorts arrived, adventurers made their way to Mount Hood in the winter for snowshoeing and skiing and in the summer for hiking and exploring.

Today, Government Camp is home to the iconic Timberline Lodge, a national historic monument. Built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Timberline Lodge remains one of Oregon’s most treasured landmarks.

However, the history of Government Camp stretches back nearly two centuries. Long before it became a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it played a role in westward expansion and the early days of the Oregon Trail.

How Government Camp Got Its Name

In May 1845, the United States government allocated $75,500,000 to establish military posts along the Oregon Trail. However, when the Mexican-American War broke out, those plans changed. Instead of focusing on Oregon, much of the effort shifted to support the war.

A few years later, in 1849, Lieutenant William Frost led a massive wagon train from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Dalles, Oregon. The scale of this expedition was immense:

  • 429 wagons
  • 1,716 mules
  • 250 tons of freight

While part of the group traveled by boat to Vancouver, the remaining wagons were sent over the Barlow Road toward Oregon City. Unfortunately, this decision had dire consequences.

The mules were exhausted, and overloaded wagons struggled on the rugged terrain. As winter approached, conditions worsened. By the time the wagon train descended Laurel Hill, 45 wagons had been abandoned due to starvation and exhaustion.

For years, this area became known as “the government camp on Still Creek.” Over time, the name stuck, and it was eventually shortened to simply Government Camp.

The Early Settlement of Government Camp

Although Government Camp had earned its name, it didn’t develop into a town right away. It wasn’t until the arrival of O.C. Yocum, Francis C. Little, and William G. Steel that settlement began.

O.C. Yocum’s Vision

O.C. Yocum filed a homestead claim and platted his land into blocks. He named the north-south streets numerically (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). For the east-west streets, he used the letters of his own name:

  • Yule
  • Olive
  • Church
  • Union
  • Montgomery

Originally, Yocum named his town Pompeii. When he applied for a post office under the name Government Camp, the government rejected it, stating that a two-word name was unacceptable. As a result, he changed the post office name to Pompeii.

However, locals never stopped calling it Government Camp, and over time, the name became official.

Hotels and Businesses in Early Government Camp

As travelers increased, hotels and businesses emerged to accommodate them. Several of these establishments played a key role in shaping Government Camp’s reputation as a mountain resort destination.

Notable Hotels and Businesses in Government Camp

  • 1899 – O.C. Yocum built the Mountain View House hotel.
  • 1910 – Lige Coalman purchased the hotel and, in 1911, built the Government Camp Hotel.
  • 1933 – Both hotels burned down.
  • 1924 – Everett Sickler and Albert Krieg built the Battle Axe Inn, a popular gathering place. It burned down on November 7, 1950.
  • 1932 – Charlie Hill built and ran Hill’s Place, located across from the Battle Axe Inn. It operated for decades before burning down in 1969.
  • The Rafferty Family built a hotel next to the Battle Axe Inn. It changed hands and names several times, known as the Tyrolean Lodge and later the Mountain View before it burned down in 1954.
  • George Calverly built a café at the east end of town, which his wife managed.

As the 20th century progressed, Government Camp became synonymous with outdoor recreation, particularly with the rise of skiing on Mount Hood.

Government Camp Today: A Legacy of Adventure

Today, Government Camp remains the gateway to Mount Hood’s winter and summer sports. It is home to Timberline Lodge, and the town continues to attract skiers, snowboarders, and hikers year-round.

Though many of its original buildings have disappeared, the spirit of Government Camp lives on. From its Oregon Trail roots to its role in shaping outdoor adventure culture, Government Camp remains one of Oregon’s most historic and beloved mountain towns.

Discover More Mount Hood History

If you love learning about Oregon’s past, check out more stories at MountHoodHistory.com.

Have memories or stories about Government Camp? Share them in the comments below!

Battle Axe Inn, Government Camp, Oregon

The Battle Axe Inn, in Government Camp was for many years the hub for much of the activity on Mt. Hood’s South side. Many mountain rescues were headquartered from the old inn, as well as community gatherings and parties. Many a cold and tired skier found warmth and rest in front of its grand rock fireplace.

The Battle Axe Inn was the dream of Everett Sickler, who since working as a young man in the hotel at Yellowstone, wanted to run a resort hotel of his own. He got the idea for the design of his inn from a building in a Johns Mansfield roofing ad. In 1925 Sickler hired Hood River contractor Albert Krieg and his son’s to handle the construction of his new inn. Sickler originally wanted a log structure, but Krieg, in an attempt to help save money, built the structure with lumber and then used slabbed logs for the siding, thus giving it the look of log building. The cost for the building, a whopping $3600.00. He and his wife Belle Pierce Sickler opened for business that winter.

The building was a quaint lodge with a dining room and rooms. The interior was wood, with log beams and a large rock fireplace and was decorated with early pioneer and native artifacts. The grand staircase was a circular style with a huge log center pillar. The furniture was made by local craftsmen in a rustic style.

The following year Sickler hired the Krieg’s to build the Battle Axe Inn Recreation Hall, located just up the street from the inn. It was a huge structure 50’ x 90’ three story building. After purchasing the entire stock of ski’s from the Marshall wells company in Portland, the Rec Hall was used as a ski shop with rentals. The Rec Hall was also the location of the infamous toboggan slide. The slide included a two track run and a cable system for returning the toboggans to the top of the hill. Speeds were said to reach up to 60 miles per hour when the conditions were right. Many times a toboggan would leave the track causing bodily harm. Because of liability insurance costs, the toboggan was finally closed down.

The inn was always a financial struggle for the Sicklers. In 1929 Henry and Margaret Villiger, after a trip to Government Camp by automobile influenced by their daughter Marcel and her friend Gertrude Jensen decided to purchase the inn for $23,000. The depression set in and business was so slow the payments had to be adjusted from $350. Per month to $30. Per month. At some time during this era the rec hall, located up the street was moved down and attached to the inn, to solidify the business operation. At this time the rec hall, or Annex housed a coffee shop, a taproom, grocery store, laundry with dorm rooms upstairs.

Henry Villiger passed away in 1938, and Margaret continued to operate the business until 1947 when Gertrude Jensen bought the business for a reported figure of $85,000. Gertrude took over with grand plans. She hoped to re-open the old toboggan run, and a cafeteria. She hired well known skier Hjalmer Hvam to operate the ski shop, Chester Chin of Chin’s Buffet in Portland to run the cafeteria and her son to operate the toboggan run.

Because of overwhelming operating costs and costly repairs, and complicated further by Gertrude’s health troubles, she moved back to Portland and eventually turned the business back to Margaret Villiger. Mrs. Villiger in turn sold to Warren Huff, who operated it for two years until Monday, November 6, 1950 when the grand old inn met its end.

Battle Axe Inn Business Card (front)

Battle Axe Inn Business Card (rear)

Battle Axe Brochure

Battle Axe Brochure Inside

Battle Axe Inn Fire Journal Article