The Confederated Tribes named the lake in honor of Billy Chinook, a member of the Wasco tribe who acted as a guide in 1843 and 1844 for John C. Frémont and Kit Carson in the region of the lake.
In tribute to Billy Chinook, a Wasco tribal member who acted as a guide for John C. Frémont and Kit Carson in 1843 and 1844 in the area surrounding the lake, the Confederated Tribes christened the body of water.