FAQ - Houseboats
When Does my vacation start?
Your reservation specialist will give you your check-in time, if you forget, your rental agreement will have the check in and check out times.
When do I have to pay for my houseboat vacation?
A minimum of 50% of the total rent due for houseboats is due at the time of reservation. The remaining balance will be charged on the card on file 45 days prior to vacation date. If you would like to change the card on file for the final payment, contact us.
What are my payment options?
We accept all major credit cards.
What is our check out time?
Your reservation specialist will give you your check-out time, if you forget, your rental agreement will have the check in and check out times.
What should I bring from home?
Beach and Bath Towels, Beach Chairs, Bedding and Pillows, Camera, CDs, Coolers, Dish Towels, First Aid Kit and Medications, Fishing Gear, Flashlight, Games (Board games or console for the T.V.), Insect Repellent, Movies (DVD), Paper Towels, Sunscreen, Water Toys, All food items including condiments (salt, pepper, etc.), All personal soaps and shampoo.
Where do we stay at night?
Luxury houseboats only tie up to buoys on the Deschutes river arm and Crooked river arm.
Can we bring pets along with us?
Please discuss with our reservation specialist about the pet policy.
Are there age restrictions?
You must be 21 years old to rent a houseboat and 18 years old to rent recreational boats.
Are there any extra precautions we need to take with children on board?
Children will have a wonderful time on board a houseboat, but certainly require attentive supervision. They must have life jackets on when outside the cabin area. Children 12 and under require a life jacket.
Can friends join us during our trip?
Yes they can. The dock is the best place to meet. You must make sure they have a gate code (if necessary) and directions. Please make arrangements to meet them at the dock at a set time. Any guests must also sign the release of liability.
Can people contact us on the houseboat?
No contact is available off the houseboat. Your cell phone may work in certain areas, texting works best if available.
Can I water ski behind my houseboat?
No, your houseboat is made for cruising around the lake. We do however have additional boats just for that purpose, that you can add to your vacation plan.
Do the houseboat doors lock?
No, they do not lock, but we have not had any issues due to the proximity of the lake.
How many people can I put on my houseboat over your recommended number?
You are not allowed any more people on the boat than the allotted Coast Guard and insurance approved capacity.
How far ahead must I book?
Earlier is better. If you're planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it's best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand. July and August are busy. You should book early.
How fast do houseboats travel?
Up to 6 knots or 7 miles per hour.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. When you pick up your houseboat, the marina staff will give you an orientation and walk you through driving and maneuvering the houseboat. Most people get the hang of it within a few minutes.
Do I need a special license to drive one of your rental boats?
Free temporary boaters license available for our rental customers.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 541-546-9999 ext. 1, and our reservation specialist will be happy to check availability for you. It's helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in when you call, although we're happy to help you pick the right boat for your needs.
FAQ - The Lake/Misc.
Additional Information
Update on Fishing licenses this year
We will no longer be selling daily fishing licenses for general use, tribal permits can be purchased online as well. If you would like to purchase a standard daily license follow this link: https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/
If you would like to purchase a tribal permit for the Metolius arm follow this link:
https://fisheries.warmsprings-nsn.gov/product-category/fishing/
What is the lake like?
Located just three hours away from Portland, we have plenty of water (approximately 72 miles of shore line), a lot of sun and a variety of fish. Round Butte Dam is a hydroelectric producer, and one of the largest earthen structures of its type in the U.S. This rock-filled dam holds back the Deschutes, Metolius, and Crooked rivers to form beautiful Lake Billy Chinook. The water level is nearly 400 feet above the canyon floor and allows a unique vantage point to see 10 million years of geologic history embedded in the canyon walls.
Central Oregon is famous for its many sunny days, and has been advertised as having 300+ days of sun a year.
The area is a photographer's paradise. The Crooked River arm provides beautiful rock formations such as Devil's Post File and The Ship. On the Metolius arm one can see some fantastic views of Mount Jefferson.
What is there to do on the Lake?
Not only does Lake Billy Chinook have endless, beautiful shoreline to boat along, but the fishing is notably excellent. Cove Palisades State Park surrounds a large portion of the lake. This state park has plenty of hiking trails, as well as picnic areas. The Crooked River Petroglyph is a historic site within the park worth a visit. A natural research area called The Island is a raised peninsula that you'll have to watch from the water, as it's protected, but it certainly is beautiful.
What type of fish are in the lake?
Lake Billy Chinook has a large variety of fish. Kokanee, the most popular pink meat fish, is delicious fried or smoked: Bull Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and German Browns are regular catches, and occasionally someone catches an Atlantic Salmon or Catfish. There are also great crawdad or crayfish caught in the Crooked and Deschutes Rivers, no crawdad fishing on the Metolius arm.
What do we do in the case of a medical emergency on the lake?
The Three Rivers Community has a volunteer EMT service available. Your cell phone will in most cases work in key areas of the lake.Contact 911 in case of an emergency
Where is Lake Billy Chinook?
Lake Billy Chinook is located in Central Oregon just west of Culver. The lake sits just west of Highway 97. It is approximately 145 miles SE of Portland, Oregon, 308 miles SE of Seattle, Washington and about 490 miles NW of Sacramento, California.
Do cellular phones work on the lake?
Some work quite well, others not very well or only at specific locations. You should give our office phone number to family in case of an emergency. This is the best way to insure a message will get to you.
How long will it take us to drive to Lake Billy Chinook?
From Portland 2 hours and 45 minutes, from Eugene 3 hours, and from Salem 2.5 hours. Plan extra time for night driving. We are off the beaten path, but it is truly a paradise. From Culver (97734) it is a 10 minute drive to our marina.
Is the lake rough or will I get seasick?
The lake is calm most of the time. It is not likely that you will get seasick as your houseboat is quite wide and stable. Bring motion sickness medication if you are concerned.
Will I have any privacy on the lake?
Absolutely, there are plenty of areas on the lake that you can hang out and be away from others.
