Rooster Rock State Park

This listing is provided by Travel Oregon

Spring at Rooster Rock is where spring fever happens. Imagine the first warm, sunny days of spring where meadows of wild roses and the spicy scent of Oregon grape combine with an endless panorama of the Cascade mountains, blue sky and the deep blue waters of the Columbia River. During the first sunny days of spring is when the parking lot fills up.

Summers and Rooster Rock are like peas and carrots; they just go together. Three miles of river access brings out the crowds (sorry, no dogs on the beach). The river swimming serves visitors who want a natural experience. It’s even more natural the farther east you go at Rooster Rock (where you’ll find one of Oregon’s two designated clothing optional beaches). By design, the clothing optional beach area is completely separate and not visible from the clothing-required area of the large park. The two areas coexist in harmony. 

Fall colors blaze at Rooster Rock. For an easy hike, try the 2 mile Volkswalk trail at the east end of the park. The trails will be covered with huge maples and oaks as you take a flat hike above the Columbia River. Blacktail deer, swordgrass and mushrooms grow large in the beautiful forests and meadows along this trail. 

Wintertime can be challenging, but it’s paradise to those who love life on the edge. Windsurfers know this — they come here when others stay away. When east winds barge down the Columbia Gorge at 25 to 40 mph, windsurfers come out of the woodwork to ride the whitecaps on the Columbia River. Winter wind speeds at Rooster Rock have been measured at 110 mph. In the winter, Rooster Rock becomes the gateway to recreation in the Gorge and the Cascades. 

Rooster Rock offers not one, but two disc golf courses. The west course is fun and challenging for all skill levels. Looking to test your skill? Try the more technical east course. The covered picnic shelters and tables serve families and groups of all sizes. Rooster Rock’s boat ramp is located in the scenic lagoon. You’ll find some of the best bass, steelhead and walleye fishing around here.

Due to fluctuation in river levels, access to the clothing optional beach by foot may be limited. Check on current river levels Oregon River Levels.