Billy Chinook Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the lake?

From Bend: Lake Billy Chinook Houseboats is about 60 miles from Bend. Take Bend Parkway N/US-97 N from Bend toward The Dalles. Drive US-97 N for about 17 miles, then take a slight left at 5th Street. You'll follow this street for a mile, then continue onwards on US-97 for another 15 miles. Take a slight left on Culver Highway and follow this for about 4.5 miles. Then, turn left on Gem Lane and ride that for about 1.5 miles. It'll turn slightly left and become Frazier Drive. Follow Frazier for about a half a mile, then turn right onto Jordan Road. You'll follow this for 12.5 miles, then turn left onto Graham Road. Where the pavement ends, look for the entry to the Three Rivers Gated Community. Punch in the gate code and take the paved road up to the lake.

From The Dalles: Lake Billy Chinook Houseboats is about 120 miles from The Dalles. From The Dalles, take The Dalles-California Highway/US-197 south for about 67 miles. Then, continue onto US-97 and drive it for 18 miles. Take a right onto D Street and take a slight left at Culver Highway. Drive Culver Highway for 7 miles. Then, turn left on Gem Lane and ride that for about 1.5 miles. It'll turn slightly left and become Frazier Drive. Follow Frazier for about a half a mile, then turn right onto Jordan Road. You'll follow this for 12.5 miles, then turn left onto Graham Road. Where the pavement ends, look for the entry to the Three Rivers Gated Community. Punch in the gate code and take the paved road up to the lake.

Click here to view a map of the Lake Billy Chinook area.

What is there to do at Lake Billy Chinook?

Not only does Lake Billy Chinook have endless, beautiful shoreline to boat along, but the fishing is notably excellent. Cove Palisades State Park surrounds a large portion of the lake. This state park has plenty of hiking trails, as well as picnic areas. The Crooked River Petroglyph is a historic site within the park worth a visit. A research natural area called The Island is a raised peninsula that you'll have to watch from the water, as it's protected, but beautiful it certainly is.

How difficult is driving a houseboat?

Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hang of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.

How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?

Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It's helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in when you call.

Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.

How early do I need to reserve?

Earlier is better. If you're planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it's best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand.

What kind of fish are found in the lake?

Lake Billy Chinook's most popular fish is the bull trout, which often reaches record levels. Other common species are the Kokanee Salmon, Small and Largemout Bass, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Is there camping along the lake shore?

Cove Palisades State Park has two full-service campgrounds.