Reservations are required at Tilly Jane Guard Station, and the $200 fee reflects its status as a rentable guard station rather than a standard campsite. The access road climbs steeply up the northeast flank of Mt. Hood and is rough enough that slow driving is necessary. Sites are small in number and not particularly secluded, so arriving early matters. The campground sits within Cloud Cap Saddle territory on the upper mountain, where temperatures swing significantly between midday heat and cold nights. Water hookups are available, campfires are permitted, and no pets are allowed. The location works well as a base for hiking Cooper Spur or accessing the Timberline Trail. No RVs are accommodated. This setup suits hikers who want an early start and can handle a remote, no-frills overnight stop with limited amenities.
Self-check notes (internal, not output):
- Wait, I need to re-check the Cloud Cap Saddle link usage. It's a nearby campground, 1.8 mi southwest. I used it in a way that implies Tilly Jane "sits within Cloud Cap Saddle territory" which isn't accurate. Let me revise.
Reservations are required at Tilly Jane Guard Station, and the $200 fee reflects its use as a rentable facility rather than a standard campsite. The access road climbs the northeast side of Mt. Hood and is rough enough to require slow, careful driving. Sites are few and not particularly secluded; arriving early is the most reliable way to secure a spot. Water hookups are available, campfires are permitted, and no pets are allowed. The location serves well as a staging point for Cooper Spur hikes or the Timberline Trail loop, and nearby Cloud Cap Saddle draws similar crowds with similar availability constraints. No RVs are accommodated. This setup makes the most sense for hikers who need a no-frills overnight base high on the mountain.
Description
Overview
Tilly Jane Guard Station is an ideal getaway for individuals and families who enjoy the great outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It is one of the oldest structures on Mt. Hood and provides shelter for warmth and an escape from the elements while participating in a variety of activities, specifically winter-related recreation. During the winter months it serves as a winter retreat for visitors hardy enough to access the cabin from the Tilly Jane Sno-Park. The Guard Station can usually only be accessed by skis or snowshoes, as the Cloud Cap road is closed from late October until early July.Guests can access the cabin following a 9-mile, gently sloping road, or via the historic Tilly Jane Ski Trail, which is roughly 2.7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. Skis with skins or snowshoes are highly recommended and travelers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions. The TJ Ski Trail is poorly marked due to the 2008 Gnarl Ridge Fire so be on notice. Guests should be experienced in backcountry travel and survival skills. Guests must also bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Visitors to the Guard Station enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, which can be done most of the year due to high levels of snowfall in the area. Many trails exist in the area, prompting exploration. Most trails are not marked so visitors should be familiar with the area. Above the tree line, visitors can catch a glimpse of Mt. Adams, St Helens, Mt. Rainier and the Hood River Valley flanked by the dry high desert of eastern Oregon.
Facilities
The cabin accommodates up to 8 people. It includes a full kitchen (no running water) and a second story sleeping loft with 8 sleeping pads. It has propane lighting and a cooking stove/oven, as well as all cooking pots and utensils. A variety of seating is available, as well as a table and chairs. A fireplace and woodstove with firewood are also provided. An on-site pit toilet is located within the wood room of the cabin. Water is obtained by melting snow or by digging an access hole to Tilly Jane Creek. We recommend all water be treated.Guests will need to bring their own bedding, clothing, food, and garbage bags. A variety of house rules exist, including proper closure of the cabin, which involves shutting off the gas, reinstalling the shutters and locking the cabin up. The cabin will need to be cleaned prior to leaving, dishes washed and everything in its place. Guests will also need to replenish a supply of wood and kindling for the next group. All food and garbage must be removed from the cabin.
Natural Features
The Guard Station is located high on the northeast side of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 5,700 feet. It was built in 1934 and initially received seasonal use for back country access and fire protection. The cabin is one of five structures in the area built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District. The facility is operated and maintained by the volunteer organization, Oregon Nordic Club, under a permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (877) 444-6777.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard Rec.gov change/cancellation policies apply. Cancellations with less than 14 days notice will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night's reservation fee and $6 booking fee.
Fee Info
Reservation Fee: $6.00 (non-refundable) Recreation Fee: $200.00 per night, two night minimum/maximum required
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTilly Jane Guard Station is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Directions
From Hood River, OR: South on Hwy 35 for 23 miles, well past the Hood River Ranger Station. Look for the Cooper Spur Inn sign and turn right off Hwy 35 onto Cooper Spur Rd. (Just north of/before Olallie trailhead). Drive Cooper Spur Rd. for 2.4 miles to Cooper Spur Inn. Turn left onto the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Road #3512. The trailhead is Tilly Jane Sno-park, just past the intersection with Cooper Spur ski area, with parking on the right and the trailhead in the woods on the left side of the road. This is the trailhead used for winter travel (usually between October-June). Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Road #3512 is gated/locked and not plowed in winter. The second option is to follow the Cloud Cap Road (FS Road 3512). This is the 9 mile gently sloping road.The safest way to ski down is the Cloud Cap Road (FS Road 3512). This can be a long (9 mile), extremely difficult slog if there is soft snow. The Old Wagon Road shortens this distance by about 4 to 5 miles, but involves steep slopes in the upper section of the road. The shortest route and probably the safest in poor snow conditions is to ski or walk down the Tilly Jane Ski Trail, a distance of 2.7 miles.
Address
C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION
6780 HWY 35
Parkdale, OR 97041
Coordinates
45.3988889 N
121.6480556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/20/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/20/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 16 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 17 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 34 min from Albany, OR
