Hey There

Government Camp, Oregon is only .75 square miles, and the only "town" within 5 miles of Mt. Hood. The only thing keeping it from claiming the title of "smallest mountain town" is that it is a"census dedicated place or CDP" and not an actual town. It's formal lack of incorporation will not deter us from calling it a mountain town for the purposes of this site. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, 179 people call it home. The number of people residing in Govy fluctuates seasonally, of course, with an influx both in the winter, and summer, as the ski season at Timberline Lodge runs through the end of May for the public, but then continues well into August with its unique summer pass.

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While the lifestyle seems idyllic, living in a small mountain town can be as devastating as it is dreamy.

 

Afforable housing is problematic everywhere but particularly difficult in a town that's .75 square miles and home to nearly 200 Airbnb listings. While some employee housing exists, there is often a waitlist, and many people choose to live out of their vehicles in the area. Those who do secure employee housing are also in a predicament, as hours are based on tourism and not guaranteed, and they are required to still pay rent to their employer, even when their employer is not employing them. 

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The unpredictabilty of income is incredibly difficult, especially during shoulder seasons. As I write this, it is a 50 degree day in mid December, and many people who were expecting work to start in November, are struggling immensely with no reasonably predictable opening dates yet for the resorts. This also directly affects the hours of the employees who work at the stores and restaurants in town. 

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Folks in Govy who have no vehicle or an unreliable vehicle get mountain locked, especially in the winter, when getting down the mountain to town is a feat in weather and traffic with their work schedules, especially for those who have to take a series of buses. That means the handful of restaurants and one small general store with very limited hours are their only source of food, and both come with elevation inflation (the price increase seen in all mountain tourist towns). Difficulty getting down the mountain to town also reduces access to things like healthcare, mental healthcare, and gyms. 

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What all of the above does increase, is the rate of addiction to alcohol and drugs, feeling disconnected from community, depression, and consequently, the rate of suicide. In October of 2025, Govy lost our dear friend Kate on a Wednesday. And the day after we lost Kate, it was the anniversary of losing Timmy. And the Friday after Timmy's anniversary, it was the anniversary of losing Herman. Those are just three of the many friends who have taken their own lives here in Government Camp. 

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The Upward Spiral Collective is an idea turned endeavor, to connect our community with resources, and moreover, a stronger sense of community to hold tight to when things get difficult, so we don't lose any more of our friends.