TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on
4 reviews
Round Butte Overlook is a scenic area near Madras above Lake Billy Chinook with Interpretive Center. From the park, located on the rim of the canyon, you can see Round Butte Dam, Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus (about 400 feet below you).
In and around the observation building, you’ll find interpretive displays on the Round Butte Hydroelectric Project and Deschutes River fish and wildlife.
TripAdvisor
Well worth the short drive. Real good views. A lot to see from the spot. Also seen a beautiful sunset and got some great pictures.
The other reviews have only focused on the canyon/dam overlook. While great, go to the butte itself, for me the best view in Eastern Oregon of the entire Cascade area from Bachelor to Hood. It is a little difficult as really can only be approached from the south, access from north is a gravel road. Still the park at the top looked like it was hardly visited, but it offers amazing 360 degree views of the entire area. The most amazing are the great views of all the snow-capped mountains. It addition, the plants were in full bloom and simply added to the amazing visit. This was one of my favorite places in Central Oregon and I highly encourage you to make the visit. You will be impressed, but go to the actual butte.
Lovely site to view one of the dams that creates Lake Billy Chinook. Impressive cliffs that are home to several eagle families in the spring. Informative center on site gives history of dam and area.
This is a park/overlook high above Round Butte Dam & Lake Billy Chinook. Maintained by Portland General Electric Co., with a very friendly knowledgeable host living at the center. It's fairly small, but the views are huge. Bald Eagles are mostly present in the winter and early spring, but there is abundant wildlife year round. An enclosed visitor center allows viewing of the dam and lake, with flush bathrooms provided. I'm not sure if the host is present all year. There is a pretty big Eagle watching weekend in February, with lots of activities. Not a really well known spot and it's usually quiet.
