Experience The Majesty Of The Cove Palisades State Park In Culver, Oregon
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, The Cove Palisades State Park stands as a breathtaking natural wonder waiting to be explored.
This 9,000-acre paradise surrounds the stunning blue waters of Lake Billy Chinook, created when three rivers were dammed in the 1960s.
A Geological Marvel Millions of Years in the Making
The towering cliffs of The Cove Palisades didn’t appear overnight.
These dramatic 700-foot canyon walls formed through millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.
Ancient lava flows from the Cascade Mountains layered the landscape, while the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers carved deep canyons through the volcanic rock.
The result? A stunning showcase of Earth’s powerful forces visible in every striated cliff face.
Water Wonderland: Lake Billy Chinook
Shimmering at the heart of the park, Lake Billy Chinook offers 72 miles of shoreline and crystal-clear waters perfect for summer adventures.
Named after a Wasco Indian scout who guided explorers in the 1850s, this reservoir reaches depths of 400 feet in places.
Boaters flock to its three distinct arms – the Metolius, Deschutes, and Crooked Rivers – each offering unique scenery and fishing opportunities.
Kokanee salmon and bull trout thrive in these protected waters.
Camping Under Desert Stars
When night falls over the high desert, The Cove Palisades transforms into a stargazer’s paradise.
The park boasts two major campgrounds – Deschutes and Crooked River – with over 250 sites ranging from tent spaces to full-hookup RV spots.
The Deschutes Campground perches on a plateau overlooking the lake, while Crooked River nestles closer to the water.
Both offer modern amenities including hot showers and electrical hookups, yet remain wonderfully wild with juniper trees providing natural privacy between sites.
Trails That Tell Ancient Stories
Lace up your hiking boots and discover the park’s fascinating past.
The Tam-a-láu Trail climbs 600 feet to a plateau where Native Americans once gathered for centuries. “Tam-a-láu” means “place of big rocks on the ground” in the Sahaptin language.
The Petroglyph Loop showcases ancient rock art, while easier paths like the Deschutes River Trail offer accessible adventures for families seeking shade beneath ponderosa pines.
Wildlife Haven in the High Desert
Golden eagles soar above canyon rims while mule deer browse among sagebrush and juniper trees. The Cove Palisades creates a unique ecosystem where desert meets water, attracting diverse wildlife year-round.
Spring brings wildflower displays as bitterroot and balsamroot paint hillsides with vibrant colors.
Patient visitors might spot river otters playing along shorelines or osprey diving for fish.
Birdwatchers can check off numerous species from canyon wrens to great blue herons in this protected sanctuary.
