10 Things to Do in Madras That You Shouldn't Miss

February 27, 2018 Brandee Mangan

Madras (/ˈmædrəs/ MAD-res) is a city in Jefferson County, Oregon, United States. Originally called "The Basin" after the circular valley the city is in, it is unclear whether Madras was named in 1903 for the cotton fabric called "Madras" that originated in the city of Madras (now Chennai) in Tamil Nadu, India, or from the name of the city itself. The population was 6,046 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.
Restaurants in Madras

1. The Museum at Warm Springs

2189 Highway 26, Warm Springs, OR +1 541-553-3331
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

The Museum at Warm Springs

Reviewed By 2Vegans2wheels - Bend, Oregon

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs museum is well worth a stop. It is never busy and I don't get why thousands of cars pass by and don't give it a try. It is a very well kept museum, with an extensive collection. Nice gift shop with a very cool selection of Native American jewelry.

2. Metolius River

Camp Sherman, OR
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 76 reviews

Metolius River

Reviewed By pshurd - Everywhere USA

If you enjoy a lovely level walk along a beautiful river, this is the hike for you! It's shady on a hot day & you can easily walk up one side & then after about 3 mile cross over & the return trip is just as lovely.

3. The Cove Palisades State park

7300 SW Jordan Rd, Culver, OR 97734-9739 +1 541-546-3412
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

The Cove Palisades State park

Reviewed By Greg M

The park has allot to offer. Scenic vistas, hiking, boating, fishing, there is so much too do. Pick something you like yo do and it's here. Enjoyed explored the area around this park.

4. Erickson Aircraft Collection

2408 NW Berg Dr, Madras Municipal Airport, Madras, OR 97741-2081 +1 541-460-5065
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Erickson Aircraft Collection

Reviewed By 427BeatleBob - Watsonville, California

after shooting the total eclipse, my friends and I went over to this museum to wait out the heavy traffic. The collection is not extensive but what they have is very nice. They have a Mitchell B-25 bomber and the Hellcat among other planes. The night before the eclipse: a P-38 fighter with other planes did a fly by but the P-38 is hidden in the hanger; it is not part of static collection since it still can fly.

5. Lake Billy Chinook

Madras, OR
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Lake Billy Chinook

Reviewed By Robert A - Beaverton, Oregon, United States

We have done some houseboating at Lake Billy Chinook several times over the years. It's always amazing. Beautiful views and landscape. Fun place for water sports.

6. Littleleaf Guide Service

6823 Hwy 8, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Littleleaf Guide Service

30 + miles of exclusive private fishing access on the Deschutes River Warm Springs Reservation side. Clients can choose to fish our section of river by Pavati Drift Boat or 4 wheel drive vehicle. The best stretch of fishing water in Oregon

Reviewed By CoreySpurlock - Redmond, Oregon

My gal and I had the pleasure of going on a trip with Elke and his wife Alysia (owners) of Littleleaf Guide Service. The hike in was amazing scenery and once we got tot he water it was non-stop action fishing! Hookup after hookup on all hog bull trout! My gal landed her first bull trout after a 10 minute battle...could have been a better day than what these guys provided. We lost count how many hogs were landed that day. Top notch hospitality, food & drink and knowledge of the area. Not to mention the superb skills taught on the water. This is a must do experience for any angler of any level.

7. Warm Springs Reservation

Warm Springs Reservation, Warm Springs, OR 97761 541 553 333
Excellent
55%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 13 reviews

Warm Springs Reservation

Reviewed By BeeVancouver - Vancouver

casual atmosphere, few people in the mornings, very friendly staff

8. Richardson's Rock Ranch

6683 NE Haycreek Rd, Madras, OR 97741-9149 +1 541-475-2680
Excellent
51%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 104 reviews

Richardson's Rock Ranch

Reviewed By BrandingExpert - Seattle, Washington

Went here with our two grandchildren aged 6 and 7. They had a great time and a successful dig for thunder eggs. First the shop is very impressive in the huge selection of rocks and products from all over the world. There were many beautiful specimens and at very reasonable prices.

We wanted to dig for thunder eggs and were outfitted with rock picks - like hammers - and a bucket. Then we drove for about half an hour on dirt/gravel roads to the dig site. The kids dug for about an hour and found about a dozen thunder eggs. We had about 10 pounds of rocks or the minimum $12.50 worth - and decided to have them cut - only took 15 minutes. We got some nice patterns inside. The kids were very proud of their finds. Highly recommend this activity for families - a unique experience.

9. Indian Head Casino

3236 Hwy 26, Warm Springs, OR 97761 +1 541-460-7777
Excellent
13%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
14%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 82 reviews

Indian Head Casino

Indian Head Casino is Central Oregon's premier location for fun, food, and friends, featuring blackjack, slots, cocktails, and casual dining 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And thanks to great accommodations nearby, you can make any weekend a winner with our stay and play packages. So gear up for good times, any time, on Highway 26!

Reviewed By Cindy G - Wenatchee, Washington

Thursday evening on June 1st: We parked our RV in the parking lot, so driving later wasn't a worry. We enjoyed drinks & appetizers in the 777's Lounge. I enjoy slot machines & found a nice selection. I signed up for the Player's Club, to hopefully get rewards. My husband doesn't gamble, so he enjoyed sports on a TV in the bar.
All employees were friendly & welcoming, except one. I think the bartender at 777's was having a rough night.
We had breakfast in The Cottonwood Restaurant in the morning, It was good as well, and has it's own review. We'd return. Nice drive from the Madras area. They offer busses/shuttles from far away as Portland.

10. Lake Simtustus RV Resort

2750 NW Pelton Dam Rd, Madras, OR 97741 +1 541-475-1085
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Lake Simtustus RV Resort

Reviewed By OuttaDodge2012 - Powell Butte, Oregon

We just returned from two nights at Lake Simtustus RV Resort and Fish Camp...wish we could have stayed longer! Located in Central Oregon between Warm Springs and Madras, Lake Simtustus is the Pelton Dam Reservoir (Descutes River) and it's absolutely lovely! While there we rented a pontoon boat for the day and enjoyed the beautiful calm water and sunny weather. There is no light pollution at Lake Simtustus Resort so at night the stars are AMAZING, and it is so quiet! We have camped all over Central Oregon this summer and we enjoyed this RV Resort and its amenities the most! We will return!

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