The Cove Palisades State Park

Lake Billy Chinook from Rim looking toward inlet of Deschutes River

Lake Billy Chinook from rim looking toward Mt. Jefferson

The Cove Palisades State Park near Culver is another big draw, offering boat moorage, campgrounds, fishing, houseboating and some of Oregon's best water-skiing. People flock to the reservoir created near the confluence of three great rivers, the Deschutes, Crooked and Metolius in a spectacular canyon of vertical cliffs and jagged rims.

Summer camping requires prior reservations, as the area is extremely popular among boaters and anglers. Boat ramps and picnic areas provide for day use and a small resort offers a retail outlet for boat rentals, fuel, camping supplies and other basic needs.