Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
650.00 ft (198.12 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
7.00 mi (11.27 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Most people come to Cove Palisades State Park to camp, fish, and play in the water. But one of the most spectacular activities at this beloved park is the hike to the penninsula via the Tam-a-Láu Trail.

The phrase "Tam-a-Láu" means "place of big rocks on the ground" in the local Native American language. The geology of this area is particularly breathtaking, as the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked rivers come together in a spectacular fashion. Steep canyon cliffs rise up from the eerily still water. Vertical basalt columns clash with horizontal layers of sandstone, ash and conglomerate rock. As you walk up the side of the canyon to the top of the plateau, take a moment to appreciate the millions of years of change that occurred in order to produce these rock formations.

Begin the hike from the Upper Deschutes Day Use Area or the Deschutes Campground. Once you're at the Tam-a-Láu Trail signboard, the trail climbs about 600 feet to gain the upper penninsula. From there, a 5-mile loop trail gives you a tour of the flat tableland with views of the Deschutes and the Crooked rivers plus a glimpse into what Central Oregon looked like before cities were established.

This hike is best tackled on a cool day since it is very exposed to the heat of the desert sun. Even though this is a popular park, you're likely to find plenty of peace and quiet on the trail. Keep your eyes open for mule deer, red-tailed hawks, and other desert fauna. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Excellent views.

Cons

Can get brutally hot in summer.

Trailhead Elevation

2,000.00 ft (609.60 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big Game Watching
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Comments

04/27/2019
This is a great trail. It was a clear day, and we several mountains, an eagle soaring over the lake, and some wildflowers sprouting. It wasn’t too crowded, and once you park, there are signs pointing you towards the trailhead.
05/14/2017
The trailhead can be difficult to find as it's not located directly off the day use parking lot; there's an alternate trailhead right off the NE corner of the boat-ramp parking lot or the actual trailhead is off the E side of the road, behind a fence, from where you turn off for the day use parking lot.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.