Madras - Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Madras Chamber

Lakes & Reservoirs in Jefferson County

Visitor Information

Lake Billy Chinook is the most popular vacation spot in Jefferson County for weekend travelers. Nestled among the vertical cliffs and jagged ridges of the Cove Palisades State Park, this beautiful lake is the gathering point for three great rivers, the Deschutes River, The Metolius River and the Crooked River. People flock to the park for camping, fishing, boating, house boating, hiking, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming and picnicking. Because of its popularity, summer camping does require reservations well in advance. The Cove Palisades Marina offers a retail outlet for boat rentals, camping supplies and other basic needs as well as a full service deli. The Marina is also the location of 3 deluxe, lakeshore log cabins, which are run by The Cove Palisades State Park and may be reserved for the non-rustic camper.

The Pelton Dam, just south of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, forms Lake Simtustus. The area offers boat rentals, boat launch, swimming and picnic areas. There is a speed limit in the southern section, but there is plenty of area to water-ski in the north end. This little known lake has two campgrounds, Lake Simtustus Campground and Pelton Park.

Haystack Reservoir is located south of Madras and is the storage lake for the North Unit Irrigation District. The water for this reservoir comes from the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon. This has been a popular fishing lake, as well as an excellent place for those who are seeking wildlife and beautiful scenery. There are camping spots available and speed boat races are held here every year.

Suttle Lake: If you are looking for that perfect location to go camping, go fishing, have a family reunion, hold a banquet or spend your vacation, then you have discovered the right place. Our vision is to be the preferred source of recreation for family's and individuals by offering the best in services and accommodations possible, while presenting a broad range of recreational choices that inspires the body, mind and spirit.

The Cove Palisades
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