The Cove Palisades State Park
RV Guide

During the off-season, flat water paddling is excellent here. The Deschutes and Crooked Rivers together provide about 30 miles of water to explore, and the lake is smooth as glass without the summer crowds. The Crooked River Water Trail is a six-mile paddling trail for paddlers of all ages and experience. You can enjoy this trail on your own, or book a guided kayak paddling excursion for a more structured and educational tour. There are several historical features under the water that were submerged after the Round Butte Dam was built in 1964. Learn all about the original campground, orchard, and homestead from the 1930s that were all flooded after the dam was installed.

There are many opportunities for hiking at this state park, ranging from easy to difficult. The quarter-mile Wetland Nature Trail Loop is best for families with small children since it is short and easy. The Crooked River Rim Trail is a bit longer at two miles out and back. This one is moderately difficult with a 210 gain in elevation, but the view is worth it. The six-mile Tam-a-láu Trail climbs to the top of one of the characteristic lava plateaus surrounded by water. The first mile is moderate to difficult getting to the top, but then relatively flat for the four miles around the plateau. The views are stunning from above, with sheer drops to the water below.

A large variety of birds, animals, reptiles, and fish make their home at the Cove Palisades State Park as well. There are special events throughout the year such as the Spring Eagle Watch, ranger walks in summer, and stargazing events in the dark central Oregon skies. The Deschutes Campground features a self-guided loop trail which leads visitors through eight interpretive stations and exhibits about native plant and animal life. The summer noise is a bit much for some critters, so the off-season is best for viewing the local wildlife.

Lake Billy Chinook is well-stocked to keep anglers smiling. Note that the lake is partially on reservation land and a separate permit is required to fish in those sections. There are lots of opportunities to fish with or without a boat because of the three day-use areas and the large marina dock. The lake is well-known for its resident bull trout, but sockeye salmon, bass, and several other species of trout are abundant here as well. Licenses and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife guides are available at the Cove Palisades Marina in the Park.

Known as one of the seven wonders of Oregon, Smith Rock has more scenery and better crags for all types of climbers from young to old, beginner to expert. Just 15 minutes from the Cove Palisades State Park, this awesome climb is popular with the locals for its view of Crooked River, Mount Hood, and Mount Bachelor. This rock is also called Monkey Face because the face resembles a smiling monkey and there are actually 19 different climbs with different monkey names. Monkey Space is rated 3.5 and has two pitches, Astro Monkey is rated 3.5 and has six pitches, and Spank the Monkey is rated four out of four. Some of these are downright treacherous, while others you can do with your eyes closed.

There is a plethora of boating space in the park with Lake Billy Chinook, the Crooked River, and the Upper Deschutes River, so make sure you hook the boat trailer up to the RV before heading out. If you do not have a boat, the Cove Palisades Resort and Marina has a variety of options for big adventures on the water. From fishing boats and wake boats to large pontoon boats and even full houseboats, there is something here that you will enjoy. However, there is limited availability, so be sure to reserve well in advance, particularly during summer weekends and major holidays.

There are three separate swim areas in the Cove Palisades State Park, one at each day-use area. The water does warm up perfectly when summer temps take off. You will see a variety of toys in use, so feel free to arrive with your own tubes, paddle boards, and floats. If you show up empty handed, all of the goods are for sale and rent at the Cove Palisades Resort and at nearby shops in Culver and Madras. Be very careful swimming outside of the designated areas, as many boats and jet skis will be zipping around.

This well-staffed park keeps each of the campground amphitheaters busy all summer long with plenty of opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Between the Junior Ranger programs, guided hikes, scavenger hunts, and classes for nature crafts and wildlife identification, there is always something happening. Check with park employees as schedules and topics vary each year depending on who is on staff that season. This is a favorite of families with kids, because most of the activities are geared toward all ages.