Most visitors flying into Redmond Municipal Airport have their sights set on Bend or Sunriver. They pick up a rental car, merge onto Highway 97, and drive south without a second thought. What they miss by not turning north is one of the most visually stunning landscapes in all of Oregon: The Cove Palisades State Park and Lake Billy Chinook, a reservoir carved into 400-foot volcanic canyon walls where three rivers converge in a scene that looks more like the American Southwest than the Pacific Northwest.
The park sits about 30 minutes north of Redmond near the tiny community of Culver. It is an easy half-day or full-day trip, and once you see the canyon for the first time, you will understand why locals have been quietly keeping this place to themselves for decades.
Three Rivers, One Extraordinary Lake
Lake Billy Chinook was created in 1964 when Round Butte Dam impounded the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers. The result is a 4,000-acre reservoir with three distinct arms reaching into deep basalt canyons. Each arm has its own character. The Deschutes arm is the widest and most popular for boating. The Crooked River arm feels more secluded, with narrower canyon walls and quieter coves. The Metolius arm, fed by the spring-fed Metolius River, has the clearest and coldest water of the three.
The canyon walls themselves are the real spectacle. Layers of basalt, tuff, and volcanic ash rise hundreds of feet above the waterline, striped in shades of brown, rust, and gray. The contrast between the blue-green water and the sunlit cliffs is the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
Getting There from Redmond
From downtown Redmond, head north on Highway 97 for about 12 miles to the town of Culver. Turn west onto Frazier Drive and follow the signs to The Cove Palisades. The road descends into the canyon in a series of switchbacks that offer increasingly dramatic views as you drop toward the lake. The final descent is steep enough to warrant attention, but the road is well maintained and suitable for all vehicles.
A day-use parking fee of five dollars applies, or you can use an Oregon State Parks annual pass. The park has two main day-use areas: Upper Deschutes and Lower Deschutes. Both have picnic areas, restrooms, and beach access. The Lower Deschutes area is closest to the full-service marina.
On the Water: Boating, Swimming, and Fishing
Lake Billy Chinook is a boater’s lake. The Cove Palisades Resort and Marina rents motorboats, pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. You can also rent water skis, tubes, and wakeboards. If you bring your own boat, public launch ramps are available at the Lower Deschutes, Upper Deschutes, and Crooked River day-use areas.
Swimming is popular at the beaches near the day-use areas. The water temperature varies by arm and season, but by late May and into June, it is refreshing without being punishing. Find a cove, anchor up, and swim off the back of your boat for one of the best swimming experiences in Central Oregon.
Fishing is world-class. Lake Billy Chinook holds kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, bull trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. The kokanee fishing is particularly renowned, with fish averaging 12 to 16 inches. An Oregon fishing license is required, and special regulations apply for bull trout, which must be released immediately. The marina sells bait, tackle, and fishing licenses for those who arrive unprepared.
Hiking the Canyon Rim
The park has nearly ten miles of hiking trails, and the standout is the Tam-a-lau Trail, a moderately strenuous loop that climbs from the canyon floor to the plateau above. The trail gains about 700 feet of elevation over roughly 1.8 miles and rewards you with panoramic views of all three canyon arms, the Cascade peaks to the west, and the vast high desert stretching to the east.
For something less strenuous, the Crooked River Rim Trail follows the edge of the canyon for about two miles with consistent views down into the gorge. It is relatively flat and well suited for families or anyone who wants canyon views without a steep climb.
Camping and Overnight Options
The Cove Palisades has two campgrounds with a combined 178 tent sites and 87 full-hookup RV sites. Deschutes Campground sits near the water and fills up fast on summer weekends. Crooked River Campground is slightly more secluded. Reservations are strongly recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day and can be made through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.
For those who prefer a roof overhead, the nearby community of Culver has a handful of vacation rentals and a general store. Madras, 10 miles north, has more hotel and dining options.
Nearby Stops Worth Adding
If you are making a full day of it, Haystack Reservoir is a quick detour about 10 minutes southeast of Culver. The reservoir is smaller and quieter than Lake Billy Chinook, with good fishing, a swimming area, and views of Gray Butte and the hills surrounding Smith Rock State Park.
On your way back to Redmond, consider stopping in Culver for a meal or a cold drink. The town is small but has a few spots worth your time, and after a day in the canyon, the unhurried pace of Culver feels exactly right.
Common Questions
Click a question to reveal the answer.
How far is The Cove Palisades State Park from Redmond?
The park is approximately 30 minutes north of Redmond by car. Take Highway 97 north to Culver, then follow Frazier Drive west to the park entrance. The drive includes a scenic descent into the canyon with dramatic views along the way.
Can I rent a boat at Lake Billy Chinook?
Yes. The Cove Palisades Resort and Marina offers motorboat, pontoon boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. You can also rent water sports equipment like water skis and tubes. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends as rental boats book up quickly.
Is Lake Billy Chinook good for swimming?
Lake Billy Chinook has several beaches and coves suitable for swimming. The water temperature is most comfortable from late June through September, though brave swimmers wade in starting in late May. The beaches at the Lower Deschutes day-use area are the most popular and accessible.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Billy Chinook?
Yes, an Oregon fishing license is required. Licenses are available at the marina, at sporting goods stores in Redmond and Madras, or online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Special regulations apply for bull trout, which must be released immediately if caught.
When is the best time to visit The Cove Palisades?
Late May through September offers the best weather for water activities and hiking. Summer weekends are the busiest, so weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking when temperatures are cooler, though water activities are limited by colder lake temperatures.
About Chance & Tianna
TEAM HOMEWARD FOUND · REALTY ONE GROUP DISCOVERY
Chance and Tianna Jackson are a husband-and-wife real estate team serving Bend, Sunriver, Three Rivers, La Pine, Redmond, Prineville, Tumalo, and Sisters. Between military roots, marketing expertise, and years of investing in Central Oregon, they guide retirees, families, Veterans, and investors through buying, selling, and relocating with a level of care that only locals can offer.
Chance Jackson
OREGON REALTOR® · TOP PRODUCER
(503) 816-2780
Mr.ChanceJackson@gmail.com
Tianna Waite-Jackson
OREGON REALTOR®
(503) 207-8636
Ms.TiannaJackson@gmail.com