The Lodge has an area in main entrance area to sign up for tours. The tour is free and is very interesting. I think they go at 1 p.m. and maybe another time. You can call the lodge for information.

Hey, good for you, going skiing with your kids. I learned to ski at Government Camp in about 1952 and now ski with my grown kids and grandkids all over the place. Great family sport! Wherever you wind up go to ski school. Ski instruction in the US is highly standardized and generally excellent, especially for beginners. Govy, as we call it, has condos good for a family. The general store in town is well-stocked and actually pretty reasonable and be sure to try the huckleberry pie at Huckleberrys. Ski in ski out is always good if you don't have a car with AWD, such as a Subaru, (best snow cars ever. I don't even carry chains anymore) and are not comfortable driving in the snow. For clothing, I'm betting, Portland has big Labor Day or other fall sales full of stylish bargains just like we do in Seattle. For your skis boots and poles, best to rent them in town. The rental shop at Timberline is excellent, but will be crowded when you go. Have a great time and think snow.

In August, at midday, it is often in the 70's. However, temperature drops at night and early morning to 40's, so bring layers. And occasionally a cloudy, windy day sets in during summer, with daytime temp of 50-60 deg.

Sorry I meant I don't ski

I've only been there in winter, but my friends go there during summer every year. The place is amazing, the landscapes are breathless. Depends what you re looking for, but it's nice to do hiking and other summer activities. I would do it in summer too.