Phlox Point Cabin
A ski-in, ski-out Timberline taqueria, complete with margaritas
Phlox Point Cabin
OVERVIEW
A mid-mountain warming hut turned taqueria serving street-style tacos, solid beverages and awesome vibes.
CONACT
timberlinelodge.com | 503-272-3158
ADDRESS
27500 E West Leg Road
Government Camp, OR 97028
30 minutes from Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet
FIELD NOTES + INSIDER TIPS
If you’re carving around Timberline Ski Area and your fingers and toes are in desperate need of a defrost or you’re looking for a quick way to refuel, you're in luck. There's a mountain secret tucked away between trails underneath snow-caked evergreens – Phlox Point Cabin, the one and only ski-in-ski-out taqueria on the mountain.
Phlox Point is no ordinary cabin either. This tiny timber structure is a historical gem with tales to tell. Built in 1930, it started life as an alpine warming hut for the Timberline Ski Club. Over the years, it morphed into an overnight shelter for intrepid Boy Scouts. And now, it's your cozy pit stop for tasty tacos and the perfect beverages for any craving.
Our kids are also fans. We call it Oaken’s Taco Trading Post because of its welcoming, warm and quaint vibes. Alas, the workers do not say “Hoo-hoo!” when you open the door.
Scout Your Line Before You Go
Phlox’s food cart vibes are a bit hidden, so you have to plan your approach. For one, to get to this secret haven you'll need a lift ticket. Hiking down is a possibility, but ski patrol will stop you for huffing it across their turf. For those ready to ski-in, study up here to find your way to the discreet Phlox Point Cabin. We have made more than our share of wrong turns getting there, so here’s what we learned.
DIRECTIONS
Start by skiing down from the Wy’East Day Lodge on the West Leg Road run.
You can also drop onto West Leg Road from Main Run Pucci, Lift Line, Thunder or Bob Elmer. Anything further west won’t put you onto West Leg Road in time for the turn.
If coming from Timberline Lodge, you’ll stay on West Leg Road crossing over Thunder, where you’ll hit a sweeping, flat turn.
Stay to the left side of the trail where you’ll spot a sign for Phlox Point Cabin.
Soon after, you’ll keep left to coast onto Walt’s Baby.
Now, pay attention for a slight left turn that veers onto a flat. This is your opening.
In the distance, you’ll see the storied Phlox Point Cabin and a collection of skis and snowboards leaned up against the trees.
It's a bit of a treasure hunt, but trust us, the prize at the end is worth every twist and turn. If you’re more of a visual learner, you can watch this handy directional video from Timberline.
Mid-Mountain Party Vibes
On a good day, you’ll immediately hear the tunes and see a line of skis and boards lining the right side of the trail. Outside the cabin, Adirondack chairs sit circled around a custom-built fire barrel that’s almost always burning. Welcome to the party. This atmosphere continues inside, where the music plays on.
The snug interior boasts a large, crackling fire with basic bar-style seating. It’s sparce, but we usually find a spot here to warm up and recharge for more runs. There are also convenient hooks near almost every seat to hang your gear and at the entrance for coats should you choose to stay for awhile.
If it’s packed to the brim, which can happen, the outside seating is no downgrade. Just a bit cooler. Here's a secret tip for those skiing with the little ones: save some tortilla and share them with the local birds, charming gray jays known to eat right from your hand. Feeding the wildlife? Not normally recommended, but at Phlox Point Cabin, it's a rite of passage.
The Lean, Mean Taco Hut
The menu at Phlox Point Cabin is prepared each morning at the main lodge and transported to the cabin. It's a lean operation, with a few high-powered chafing dishes keeping four delightful taco options piping hot. The best part? Each taco is bigger than what you’l find at your typical food truck and cost a friendly $5 per pop.
Our personal faves include the barbacoa, a tantalizing shredded beef version braised in stout with ancho and chipotle chilis, oregano, and cumin. The chicken tinga is also a standout, marinated in IPA, green chili, cumin, and garlic. And for the veggie peeps, they have a rotating option (currently tofu chorizo).
All the tacos come topped with a fresh slaw and cilantro, accompanied by a side of pickled radishes and limes. Grab your favorite hot sauces (the roasted tomatillo is crafted by legendary skateboarder Tom “Wally” Inouye), and you're all set for a stellar grub session.
Head Over for Some Hydration
No ski-in-ski-out experience would be complete without a range of beverage options to whet your palate and warm your soul.
Phlox offers cold cans of Mount Hood Brewing beer for $7 – a perfect match for those mouthwatering tacos. You can choose from a duo of ever-changing margarita flavors, including the exotic pineapple jalapeno, the zesty cherry lime, and the refreshing huckleberry basil, all for just $10. Don't fancy a margarita? No problem. There's a selection of Copa wines, Two Towns cider, and warmers like teas, coffee, and hot cocoa.
Ski In, Chow Down, Chill Out
Phlox Point Cabin is the perfect place for a midday lunch, a warming spell on a chilly ski day, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It's a mountain rendezvous that combines epic skiing with delicious, affordable, slope-side tacos. Whether you're fueling up for more runs or just kicking back to savor the mountain magic, Phlox Point Cabin has got you covered.
