Cottonwood Bay

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cottonwood Bay is a picturesque destination located on the south end of Lake Billy Chinook in the state of Oregon.


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Summary

The area is known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor recreational activities and rich history.

One of the main reasons to visit Cottonwood Bay is the abundance of outdoor activities available. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping in the surrounding area. The unique rock formations around the bay are also a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering.

Some specific points of interest to see in Cottonwood Bay include the Cove Palisades State Park, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Tam-a-lau trail is also a must-visit attraction, offering a challenging hike with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape.

Cottonwood Bay is also rich in history, with a number of Native American petroglyphs and pictographs found throughout the area. Visitors can learn about the region's history at the nearby Museum at Warm Springs.

The best time of year to visit Cottonwood Bay is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and water activities. However, the area is also popular in the fall, when the leaves change colors and the landscape is at its most beautiful.

Overall, Cottonwood Bay is a stunning destination with a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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