Explore the Waters of Lake Billy Chinook
Come August, the warm dog days hit, and there are two ways to handle them. You can stay inside with the AC and catch up on some streaming shows. Or…you can tackle it like we do in Redmond: let the waters of an expansive lake cool and energize you. Here in Central Oregon we have a few watery oases, but one of our favorites is Lake Billy Chinook. It’s a place where the Metolius, Crooked, and Deschutes Rivers converge — along with a bevy of water enthusiasts.
Tucked amidst rising cliffs, this 4,000-acre lake is a haven for boaters, wake surfers, stand-up paddleboarders and anglers alike. There’s nothing like feeling the water splash up on you as the heat rises. Or simply dive in, lie on your back floating, and let the vast open sky take your mind away for a bit. If you looked up relaxation in the dictionary, we’re sure a trip here would be right next to the definition.
Captain Your Own Relaxation
The motor revs and your boat bounces through the waves. Passengers hoot and holler as you bank a turn, kill the engine and come to a restful stop. Welcome to a quiet cove where the current population is just you and your friends. The lake is expansive, but if you know where to look, hidden gems like this are everywhere. Chances are good, when you rent your boat from Cove Palisades Resort and Marina or the Cove Corner Store, they might even point out a few for you. They’re perfect places to dive from the boat or unwind with a cold beverage in hand as the sun warms your skin. Just pick your watercraft and you’ll have everything you need for your island of calm.
Surf an Endless Wave
The old school way of surfing required paddling out, waiting for your place in the lineup, and then taking off while praying that the wave didn’t close out on you. We love tradition in Redmond, but wake surfing takes this pastime to another level. Now you and your friends can ride one long continuous wave behind a boat. As you drop down the small face, you leave any worries behind. The only thing that’s stopping you is how long you’re willing to let your quads burn. Rent a boat from Cove Palisades Resort and Marina and try out this new sport. You’ll be hanging ten in no time.
Paddle Down, Spirits Up
While some look for adrenaline-fueled adventures, others like getting into their quiet groove on a stand-up paddleboard. Thankfully, you can find yours on quieter portions of the lake or the arms leading into it. Venture out from The Cove Palisades State Park in the morning where few motorboats enter due to a 10 mph limit—it’s just the right pace for whirlpools alongside your blade. Or paddle upstream along the Crooked River from the day-use area and you’ll discover amazing cliffs, canyons, solitude and plenty of birds. If there’s a better way to become one with nature, we’ve yet to find it. If you have a paddle board over 10 feet and are planning on taking it on the lake or surrounding waterways, be sure and purchase a waterway access permit.
Dive Into Summer
Here we all know that hot temperatures and swimming pretty much go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s jumping in off a dock, or wading in from a sandy shore at The Cove Palisades State Park, water instantly refreshes us. During this time of year, the water can be a pleasant 70º, making it just cold enough to relax you. That is, if floating in a tube and staring up at craggy cliffs hasn’t done that already. Be sure to check for local advisories before entering the water and consider using the colder waters of the Metolius River arm if algae are present elsewhere.
Excitement on the Line
Apparently, humans aren’t the only ones who love swimming in the cold, clear waters of the lake. Cast a line from a boat or dock, let it sink deep, and prepare for a fight. This place is home to some hefty bull trout—and it’s one of only a handful of places they can be legally harvested. You’ll also find numbers of rainbow trout, and even Kokanee in the fall and winter months. With any luck, it won’t just be your kids that scream as they bring in a big one, your reel will be doing the same. Remember to purchase a license, check regulations and learn more about different fishing techniques for the lake before heading out on the ODFW site.
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Nothing completes a day spent in this fabled deep canyon lake like ice cream with toppings piled high. If you’re looking for a more immediate treat, you can grab a homemade ice cream sandwich at the Cove Palisades Resort & Marina Store right after you get off the water. Or if you can wait a bit, stop by the Cove Corner Store on your way out. It will keep your beach vibe going with unique souvenirs and T-shirts and local Eberhard’s ice cream sundaes. Whichever cold delight you choose, make sure you eat it fast before it melts. Not that we think you’ll have a problem with that.
Before You Go:
- Fuel Up: Grab a “to-go” lunch at Ollie’s Kitchen before you head out and fill up your cooler with cold drinks too.
- Check Water Conditions: Make sure the algae is at safe levels by visiting the OHA Site and check the water temps at Lake Monster.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen as the sun can be intense in the High Desert, especially when it’s reflecting off the water and steep canyon walls.
- Personal Flotation Device: Be sure everyone on the boat is wearing a Coast Guard-Approved life vest.
- Day-use or annual parking permits: Day-use passes are $10 ($12 for non-residents); annual passes are $60 ($75 for non-residents). Grab yours at the Oregon State Parks site.
However you choose to explore the waters of Lake Billy Chinook, one thing is certain: you’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on the week wherever you live.
