🌤 Weather at The Cove Palisades State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–69 °F | 44–87 °F | 28–78 °F | 23–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Madras 2 N, 10 mi away, elevation 2,443 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The Cove Palisades State Park is a public state park in Oregon near Culver. Spanning 4,000 acres and established in 1940, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Culver |
| Park Size | 4,000 acres |
| Established | 1940 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (900 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
The Cove Palisades State Park is located near Culver, Oregon. The park\’s coordinates are 44.5431, -121.2750.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
The Cove Palisades State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
The Cove Palisades — one of Oregon\’s most dramatic state parks — occupies a 4,000-acre canyon where the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius Rivers converge behind Round Butte Dam to form Lake Billy Chinook. The canyon walls — rising 800 feet from the water — expose layers of volcanic basalt, ash, and sediment spanning 30+ million years of geological history. The park supports one of Oregon\’s most successful bald eagle nesting populations. Golden eagles nest on the cliff faces. Mule deer and coyotes inhabit the rimrock. The lake\’s trophy-sized bull trout, kokanee, and smallmouth bass make it one of Oregon\’s premier fishing destinations. The Island — a mesa rising 800 feet from the lake — creates a striking visual landmark visible for miles.
Nearby Attractions
Smith Rock State Park — the birthplace of American sport climbing — is 20 minutes east. Madras — a gateway to central Oregon recreation — sits at 2,242 feet elevation. Warm Springs Reservation has the Museum at Warm Springs — one of the finest tribal museums in the US. Metolius River — one of Oregon\’s most pristine spring-fed rivers — offers exceptional fly fishing. Bend and Mt. Bachelor are an hour south. Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint overlooks a 300-foot-deep Crooked River gorge.
More parks nearby: Heritage Landing (Deschutes) is a short drive away, while Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at The Cove Palisades State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at The Cove Palisades State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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