Frequently Asked Questions - Lake Billychinook
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 see a map and directions for Lake Billy Chinook.
When do I pick up the boat?
The pick up and drop off times vary by what day of the week you begin and length of your trip. On Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesdays boat pick up is 12 PM. On Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays pickup is 6 PM on the first day of your rental.
How many people are allowed on the boat?
Our boats are approved for a variety of group sizes, exceeding these limits lead to problems with holding tanks and usually submerged motors, for these reasons the maximum allowed on each boat is its listed capacity.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
The lake is warm from mid-summer through late fall and pleasantly cool in the shoulder seasons. Winter and early to mid-spring water temperatures are too cold for extended swimming without a wetsuit. View a month-by-month list of temperatures here.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. When you reserve your houseboat, we will send you a video or DVD in the mail with a basic overview of houseboat operations. The marina staff will also walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.
What is the billing schedule?
At the time of booking, you must pay a $400 damage deposit to confirm your reservation. After that, the full rental amount is due 45 days prior to your trip. Only personal checks, money orders, or cashier's check are accepted for the deposit and payment.
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?
Lake Billychinook is a very popular lake. Some of our boats have been known to book out more than two years in advance. The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.
Are linens included with my houseboat rental?
Linens are not provided. You will need to bring your own.
Are pets allowed on my houseboat?
It is strongly discouraged. Small pets are allowed on the houseboats for a non-refundable $100 fee per pet.
Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?
There is a convenience store right at the marina. The nearest grocery stores can be found in Redmond or Madress.
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
The renter needs to be 21 years of age with a valid drivers license.
Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.
Will I get seasick on a houseboat?
Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.
What is the best time of year to go houseboating?
It is always a good time to go houseboating! Summer is the most popular and busiest season. Fall offers Indian Summer days and cooler nights. Springtime is good for viewing abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Winter is favorable for the anglers, when fishing is at its best. And the rates are significantly lower between September and May.
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Yes! Fishing is a very popular activity on 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 Largemouth Bass, Brown and Rainbow Trout. The marina stores sell a good variety of bait and tackle for optimizing your chances of catching fish, whether you’re a novice or an expert.
Is there camping along the lake shore?
Cove Palisades State Park has two full-service campgrounds.
