Yes, the houseboating season at Billy Chinook Lake in Central Oregon is over for this year, but fall is the perfect time to check-out the scene and make reservations for the summer of 2015.
You may gasp, “Houseboating in Oregon? That’s crazy!”
But, we are here to tell you that the only lake in Oregon that offers luxury houseboats provides a high level houseboating experience similar to that enjoyed by boaters on Lake Roosevelt in Wash., and Shuswap Lake in British Columbia.
According to Brian, Cove Palisades Resort on Billy Chinook Lake near Madras invites guests to rent houseboats and other boat/watercraft through mid-September. After that, the resort slows down but still provides limited watercraft rentals because, “Chinook Lake is mostly a summer lake.”
However, we suggest that fall this is the perfect time of year to scout the lake located 45-minutes North of Bend and fed by the Deschutes, Crooked and Metolius rivers. The lake offers three unique arms and over seventy two miles of shoreline. Cascade Mountain Vistas, basalt spires, soaring bald eagles and the steep canyon walls will awe you.
Cove Palisades Resort
Cove Palisades Resort is a full service resort, specializing in the rentals of houseboats, ski boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, wave runners, kayaks, pedal boats and all the water toys (Free temporary boaters license available for rental customers).
Its luxury houseboats offer all the conveniences of home with hot tubs, TV’s, coffeemakers, cd stereos with Bose speakers, propane barbecues, water slides, air conditioners, spacious floor plans and will accommodate up to 15 people.
For those wishing to play on the water all day but sleep on land at night there are nearby state owned campgrounds and cabins. The resort features daily and summer moorage, a cafe and a fully stocked store.
Fishing on Billy Chinook Lake
While on reconnaissance this fall, be sure and take your fishing gear. Brian says the lake is famous as the “one and only catch and keep” bull trout lakes in the country. Some of those fish reach 24-inches in length.
In addition, fall (especially October) is a good time to angle for kokanee, rainbow and brown trout, bull trout and smallmouth bass.
While you are fishing keep an eye on your line because eagles are everywhere gorging on salmon.
Camping:
There are four campgrounds available at or near the lake. The state run Crooked River Campground is located on the bluff above the Crooked River arm and is open year round. There are 91 electrical sites with water and three deluxe cabins by the water.
Why would you like to go houseboating?
For more information: http://www.covepalisadesresort.com
