The Cove Palisades State Park
Lake Billy Chinook, where three river canyons meet, is ringed by basalt cliffs and clear blue water, and is a popular summer spot for boating and swimming.
Cove Palisades State Park lies about 65 km north of Bend. The Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers meet in canyons to form Lake Billy Chinook, surrounded by layered basalt cliffs. In summer, you can rent houseboats, speedboats, or kayaks at the marina. The lakeshore has swimming areas, campgrounds, and several scenic trails, and rock pillars such as 'the Eagle' and 'the Castle' are distinctive landmarks. The daily parking fee is about US$5, and summer weekends are crowded.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Steelhead Falls
- Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
- Smith Rock State Park
- Sisters
- Tumalo State Park
- Deschutes River Trail
- Shevlin Park
- Pilot Butte