Sightseeing at Lake Billy Chinook

At the lake:

The Cove Palisades State Park - 541-546-3412 - The Cove Palisades State Park is a year-round recreational destination for the entire family. Located in our high desert region, the weather is sunny and warm in the summer months and chilly but generally mild in the winter. The park is situated among towering cliffs that surround beautiful Lake Billy Chinook with 10 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. There is a campground, store, restaurant, marina, and rental services. There are also cabins for rent. The Crooked River Petroglyph is a must-see in the park.
Chinook Island - On the northwestern arm of the lake.
Round Butte Dam and Round Butte Overlook Park - The most northeastern point of the lake.

In the area:

Smith Rock State Park - Off of US Hwy 97, 9 miles Northeast of Redmond, 541-548-7501—There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Camping and fishing are available here as well.
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint - Off of US Hwy 97, 9 miles North of Redmond, 800-551-6949—the park is perched at the top of a striking river canyon with basalt cliffs, you can enjoy picnicking, bird watching, and canyon scenery.
Prineville Reservoir State Park - Off of US 26, 14 miles Southeast of Prineville, 541-447-4363—Mountain waters flow out of the Ochoco Mountain Range, joining together to form the Crooked River. This river, confined by its canyon and the Bowman Dam, forms Prineville Reservoir. Fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, swimming, etc.
Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint - Off of OR 126, 4 miles West of Redmond, 800-551-6949—On the banks of the Deschutes River lies a quaint rest area that provides plenty of shade for picnickers. An ideal place to stop for a break, lunch or simply to relax in the warm sun. The park provides fishing access to the river.
Tumalo State Park - Off of US 20, 5 miles Northwest of Bend, 541-382-3586—resting along the Deschutes River, the campground is simultaneously close enough to the town of Bend to make an quick jaunt to the grocery store, but far enough away to escape the commotion. Enjoy lush green golf courses, clear blue-ribbon trout streams, pristine alpine lakes, miles upon miles of challenging yet scenic hiking and mountain bike trails, and of course the Cascade Mountains are all within easy reach.
Camp Sherman - A small community on the Metolius River that swells with visitors in the summer months for hiking, fishing, camping, and more.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Call Deschute National Forest for info, 541-383-5300—Newberry National Volcanic National Monument includes 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), an active volcano, showcasing views of the Oregon Cascades and across the High Desert. The summit area of Newberry Volcano holds two sparkling alpine lakes full of trout and salmon.
- Lava River Cave - Lava River Cave offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. Lantern rentals are available for $4.00. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave. Lantern rentals are available until 4:00 p.m.
- High Desert Museum - Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the High Desert Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 5:00. For more information and rates please call 382-4754 or visit the website at highdesertmuseum.org.