Where three rivers converge, only one exits. In a gorge carved through time, air and water, people come. Where the summer sun beats down relentlessly, the water cools and comforts. Where swimmers, waders and picnicking families splash and gather,wake boarders, water skiers, wave runners and inner-tubers zip by in the background.
Where are we? Known also as Round Butte Dam and The Cove Palisades State Park, we are at Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon, approximately 60 miles from Bend, and 120 miles from The Dalles. Spreading the length of 28 miles in a deep canyon, the lake is fed by the Deschutes, Metolious and Crooked Rivers. At Round Butte Dam, only the Deschutes exits to make its way north, through the whitewater near Maupin and onwards to its confluence with the Columbia River at Biggs.
If you have a motorboat, go to Lake Billy Chinook this summer. If you don’t have a motorboat, don’t worry. The shores offer great opportunities for splashing, playing and picnicking. For serious party time, groups and families can also rent fully-equipped houseboats, and make the lake their own, for a grand and glorious time.
One of the most startling and stunning sights on Lake Billy Chinook is around a corner on the Metolius arm. You’ll need to be on a boat or watercraft, but the view of Mt. Jefferson from the lake is absolutely breathtaking.
The Cove Palisades Resort & Marina also has houseboat, ski & fishing boat, wave runner & kayak rentals.
If you go, please, please, please take plenty of sunscreen and fresh drinking water, and boat responsibly.
Lake Billy Chinook Vital Stats
Elevation: 1,945 feet
Area: 6.25 square miles
Length: 28 miles
Width: .22 miles, average
Shoreline: 72 miles
Avg. Depth: 102 feet
Marinas: 1 (Lake Billy Chinook Houseboats)
The Cove Palisades State Park
$5 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $30 or a 24-month permit for $50. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas.
24 boat slips (20 are reservable).
Camping
Crooked River Campground: 91 electrical sites with water; three deluxe cabins nearby; open year ‘round.
Deschutes Campground: 82 full hookup sites; 92 tent sites with water nearby (max. site 60 feet); three group tent areas; open May - mid September.
