When you talk about getting “off the beaten path” in Central Oregon, chances are good you’re talking about spending a weekend around Culver. The no-stoplight hamlet (pop: 1,600) sits off Highway 97, between Madras and Redmond, and makes an idyllic jumping-off point for many of Central Oregon’s high-desert outdoor adventures.
Some of the top things to do in Culver, OR include:
Keep reading to learn more—and to get excited for your next trip to Culver, Oregon.
Explore The Cove Palisades State Park
West of Culver and southwest of Madras, The Cove Palisades State Park puts Central Oregon’s high desert on display like nowhere else in the region. The park resides where the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius rivers meet in Lake Billy Chinook—with aquatic attractions, well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails that lead to sweeping viewpoints, angling opportunities, picnic sites, and more.
Activities at The Cove Palisades State Park
Start planning by booking a long weekend—there’s just that much to do at The Cove Palisades. Overnight stays in the park’s two campgrounds include nearly 275 tent and RV sites (many with water and/or power hookups), as well as a trio of cabins near Lake Billy Chinook—the latter available through Cove Palisades Resort & Marina.
If you want to hit the trail, a handful of hikes crisscross The Cove Palisades; one popular outing is the Tam-a-láu Loop Hike, which begins inside the state park and ascends to the summit of a plateau that affords wide-open views of Cascade peaks to the west and the lake below.
Discover Lake Billy Chinook
The teal waters of Lake Billy Chinook, named for a member of the Wasco tribe, hosts many of the top things to do in Culver, OR. It is a manmade reservoir that resides where three of Central Oregon’s biggest, most popular rivers come together—and is undeniably the heart of The Cove Palisades State Park. Here’s your guide to spending some time on (and around) Lake Billy Chinook on your next visit.
Activities at Lake Billy Chinook
With three arms and more than 70 miles of shoreline, Lake Billy Chinook offers plenty of on-the-water fun. Boating rentals at The Cove Palisades run the gamut—with a selection that includes stand-up paddleboards, pontoon boats, houseboats, barges (with slides that drop you right into the water), speedboats, and vessels for waterskiing and fishing. For more laid-back fun in the area, learn about kayaking and paddle boarding near Culver.
The lake is also popular with anglers who fish for whitefish, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, bull trout, and more. An on-site store at the resort sells snacks and beer, as well as fishing tackle.
For something a bit flashier, get the crew together for a rental from Lake Billy Chinook Houseboats. The outfitter’s offerings include boats that sleep 10 to 14 with lavish amenities that include convertible couches, grills, enclosed decks, and gas stoves.
Enjoy Crooked River Ranch Golf Course
Just south of Culver and The Cove Palisades, Crooked River Ranch sprawls out across 10,000 acres on the eastern banks of the Deschutes River. Crooked River Ranch boasts a number of popular activities, but its golf course is a particularly scenic draw.
Crooked River Ranch Golf Course launched in 1978 and is today one of the top courses anywhere in Central Oregon—with each of its 18 holes snaking through high-desert landscapes and offering panoramic views of Cascade peaks to the west. The course’s claim to fame is its fifth hole, a dogleg that invites golfers to take a shortcut over a portion of the Crooked River Canyon; it’s a par-3 if you go for the shortcut and a par-4 if you decide to play it safe.
For more of the region’s best courses, learn about golfing in Central Oregon.
Activities at Crooked River Ranch
Parks, hiking trails, walking paths, a swimming pool, and wildlife-watching are just some of the many activities at Crooked River Ranch.
If you’re staying the night, look into Crooked River Ranch RV Park, which hosts roughly 100 sites that accommodate everything from tent campers to large RVs. Amenities include a playground, a dog play area, and dump station, as well as easy access to the ranch’s golf course, swimming pool, and tennis and pickleball courts.
Taste Delicious Central Oregon Wine at Maragas Winery
Maragas Winery is one of only two wineries in Central Oregon—and about eight miles south of Culver along Highway 97.
Since launching in 1999, Maragas Winery has established itself as a purveyor of French- and Italian-inspired wines—many of which are produced from the surrounding estate; the lineup includes cabernet franc, tempranillo, syrah, chardonnay, and more. See why Maragas is one of the top things to do in Culver, OR, and enjoy the well-balanced pours on the winery’s grassy lawn, which provides plenty of room to stretch out and which overlooks a handful of Cascade peaks—including the Three Sisters and Mount Washington.
For more tasting rooms and producers, check out our guide to wineries in Central Oregon.
Plan Your Visit to Culver, OR
Ready to check out some of the top things to do in Culver, OR? Keep these tips in mind before your trip for the best possible experience:
Campground reservations: If you’re camping at The Cove Palisades State Park, reservations open six months in advance—and it’s not unusual for summer weekends to fill to capacity. Try booking your summer getaway as soon as you know your dates, or enjoy a bit more solitude and crisp temperatures with a getaway in spring or fall.
Life jackets: If you’re getting on the water at Lake Billy Chinook, it can’t hurt to brush up on life jacket laws in Oregon. Personal floatation devices are required for children 12 and younger when a boat is underway—and are generally a good idea for everyone 13 and older.
Outdoor safety and etiquette: If you’re pitching a tent or getting on the trail, be sure to bring the 10 Essentials for hiking and camping for a safe, memorable experience. Also be sure to practice the Leave No Trace principles to ensure a beautiful outdoor experience for others. Either way, pack along plenty of water and sunscreen to stay comfortable under Central Oregon’s skies.
