Cove Palisades State Park

Cove Palisades State Park Review

The Deschutes, Metolius, and Crooked rivers combine to form Lake Billy Chinook, a glittering stretch of water snaking through the Cove Palisades State Park, a mini-Grand Canyon of red-rock cliffs and gorges 14 mi west of Madras. On a clear day, a column of snowcapped Cascades peaks lines the horizon during the drive from town. The Crooked River Day Use Area is the most immediately accessible part of the park, a great place to cast a line into the water, launch a boat, or raid your picnic basket. In addition to 10 mi of hiking trails, a store, restaurant, and full-service marina, Cove Palisades has a driving loop around its craggy rim. A full-service campground has 85 full hookups, 89 electrical sites with water and 91 tent sites, houseboats, and cabins.