Overview
2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Madras
Lake Billy Chinook
The Erickson Aircraft Collection
Richardson's Rock Ranch
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RDM Roberts Field, Redmond — 26 mi away. Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 94 mi away. Directions
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 98 mi away (major hub). Directions
Madras is located at the intersection of U.S. Routes 26 and 97 in Central Oregon, about 120 miles (2.5 to 3 hours) southeast of Portland and 45 miles (1 hour) north of Bend. U.S. 26 is the most direct route between the Portland area and Madras, passing over the slopes of Mount Hood. For travelers from the north, Madras is located about 90 miles south of both The Dalles (via US 197 to US 97) and Biggs Junction (via US 97), both of which are located on I-84.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lake Billy Chinook, The Erickson Aircraft Collection
- Lunch The Truckstop
- Afternoon Richardson's Rock Ranch
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Named after the city in India that is now called Chennai, although some believe that it was named after the madras variety of cloth. The town is mostly in the rather small Willow Creek Basin. To the West are the Agency Plains, to the east are hills (and the Deer Ridge Correctional Institute,) and to the south and southeast is the Crooked River National Grassland.
Madras is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable, not on the second as Madras in India is.
Get in
Madras is located at the intersection of U.S. Routes 26 and 97 in Central Oregon, about 120 miles (2.5 to 3 hours) southeast of Portland and 45 miles (1 hour) north of Bend. U.S. 26 is the most direct route between the Portland area and Madras, passing over the slopes of Mount Hood. For travelers from the north, Madras is located about 90 miles south of both The Dalles (via US 197 to US 97) and Biggs Junction (via US 97), both of which are located on I-84.
The nearest airport with commercial service is Redmond Municipal Airport about 30 miles (half an hour) south; the nearest major airport is Portland International Airport.
Get around
A car is necessary to see much of Madras and the accompanying lake, Billy Chinook. Shuttle Oregon is a public transport service to reach Madras from Redmond or from Government Camp to Madras.
See
Do
- Surface Watersports - Lake Billy Chinook offers relatively good conditions for surface watersports like wakeboarding and water skiing. Wake up early for the best water or "AM Glass." There are numerous boat launches and the marina offers mooring and boat/equipment rentals.
Eat
Eat The Truckstop
A favorite of locals, the truckstop is a diner within a Shell station offering massive portions of some very good diner food. Huge delicious burgers and massive servings of breakfast are sure to satisfy.
Sleep
Stay Relax Inn
Nearby
Warm Springs
City / town · 9 listings · 11 mi away
Lake Billy Chinook
Park · 12 mi away
Smith Rock State Park
Park · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Redmond
City / town · 19 listings · 25 mi away
Prineville
City / town · 10 listings · 27 mi away
Sisters
City / town · 15 listings · 31 mi away
Bend
City / town · 60 listings · 41 mi away
Fossil
City / town · 3 listings · 51 mi away
My experience
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