Cove Palisades State Park

So, you're driving down the highway that's not the most exciting you've ever been on, typical for high desert. Then you see the exit sign for The Cove Palisades State Park. Anticipation rises a notch, if, as in my case, you've not been there before.

Now the roads are surrounded by farm fields, and each one-mile sign to the park leads to a turn and yet another one-mile sign. And you're thinking: "What could this park possibly be like? There's nothing here."

And then you descend into the canyon.

Who could imagine the scenery could change so dramatically? All of a sudden you're surrounded by towering basalt cliffs as you drive along the most beautiful green water of Lake Billy Chinook, named after a local Wasco Indian who guided American pioneers through the area in the mid-1840s..

It's definitely a piece of paradise in central Oregon's semi-arid environment. If you're ever in the area, check it out. Hotels are scarce, but it has two full-hookup RV and tent campgrounds.

A view of The Island from the Tam-a-lau Trail. The Island is a 200-acre plateau and home to one of the last nearly pristine ecosystems of its kind in the U.S. Because of its great ecological significance it was disignated as a Research Natural Area in 1986, closing it off to recreational use.

There's a road outside the park boundaries but within three or four miles that has several overlooks from which you not only can see the lake but also the Cascade Range. On the days I visited, the Cascades including Mt Hood were behind clouds. I could barely make them out, but imagined how stunning it must be on a clear day.

The Tam-a-lau Trail climbs to what is called "The Peninsula" where breath-taking views of the area can be had. Sadly, the rain started up again. "I'd love to be on the side of a mountain in the thunder and rain," said I never. So I scrambled down, missing the view. But others comparable were to be had, so I wasn't disappointed.