There are two PGE parks on the Deschutes River:
Round Butte Overlook Park
Round Butte Overlook Park is a terrific place to picnic in the Central Oregon sun and enjoy spectacular views.
From the park, located on the rim of the Deschutes River Canyon, you can look down on Round Butte Dam, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus, some 400 feet below.
In addition, you’ll find interpretive displays on the Round Butte Hydroelectric Project and Deschutes River fish and wildlife.
This is a great spot to view our wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys. In late winter, it’s the site for the annual Eagle Watch, which attracts hundreds of visitors.
Directions: From Madras, travel west on Belmont Lane. Directional signs point the way to the park.
Park Features: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and ADA-accessible features. If your party includes more than 100 people; if alcohol will be served; and/or if you want to reserve multiple areas of the park for multiple days, please fill out the Day Use Area Permit Application (PDF).
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Pelton Park — the great escape
Pelton Park is a vacationer’s paradise where you can boat, camp, fish, view wildlife and just relax. Located on the shore of Lake Simtustus, the reservoir behind Pelton Dam, this park has:
- 69 campsites
- Restrooms and showers
- A picnic area
- A boat launch and moorage
The park store offers groceries, ice, fishing tackle, boat rental and fuel. The lake has a small water skiing area, but most of the lake has a speed limit of 10 miles per hour and is ideal for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
For people with disabilities, the park has accessible restrooms and campsites.
At the Pelton Wildlife Overlook, located just north of Pelton Park, you can view ducks, geese, great blue herons, shorebirds, eagles and other raptors. Short trails lead to viewing platforms overlooking the Pelton Reregulating Reservoir.
Address: 3300 Pelton Dam Road, Madras, OR 97741
Directions: On Highway 26 approximately two miles south of Warm Springs, look for the access road. Follow the sign for Lake Simtustus.
Camping reservations:
Pelton Park reservations are closed for the season. We will begin accepting general reservations for Summer 2010 in April. For more information, e-mail us or call 541-325-5292. Park rules
Pelton Park Store and Marina: 541-475-0516
Park features: Picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and ADA-accessible features.
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Information on other PGE parks
Also see our regional map and chart showing all PGE park locations and services offered.
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Contact information
For more information, call the PGE Parks Information Line at 503-464-8515 or e-mail us.
Information is also available on hydroelectric project relicensing, protecting fish and learning opportunities at the parks.
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