Off Highway 97, 15 miles southwest of Madras, on the shore of Lake Billy Chinook in a rim-rocked canyon is Cove Palisades State Park. The park features 87 full hookup, 91 electrical and 94 tent sites, as well as 3 lakeshore cabins, 3 group tent areas, 24 boat slips, a general store, and 10 miles of hiking trails.

The history of the local geology holds fascination for visitors. Thousands of years ago, the now-extinct volcanoes such as Mount Hood and Mt. Jefferson poured out vast quantities of lava. Over many years, this lava was eroded by wind and water and the lava debris was washed into the Deschutes Basin by many streams. The complete geologic story and tour of the park was published in "The Ore Bin" in 1970. A copy of this pamphlet may be seen at the registration booth.