Rooster Rock State Park

Rooster Rock State Park is a day-use stretch of Columbia River shore about 22 miles east of Portland, with roughly three miles of beach and river access. It works for a swim or paddle break, a river walk, or an afternoon watching wind sports. Strong east winds funnel through the Gorge and can reach 25 to 40 mph here, which is why windsurfers and kiteboarders come. On those days, expect active water and plenty of wind rather than a calm beach afternoon.

The park has separate clothing-required and clothing-optional beaches; the clothing-optional section isn't visible from the other beach. Walking access to it can shift with the river level, so don't assume the route will be the same on every visit.

At the west end, a lagoon and boat ramp sit beneath the park's namesake, Rooster Rock. Local tradition identifies the rock as the one mentioned in the Lewis and Clark expedition's account of its November 2, 1805 campsite, but that link isn't certain. For the park's most recognizable photo, frame the rock above the lagoon. The east-end Volkswalk is a flat two-mile route above the river, and the park has two disc-golf courses: a beginner-friendly one in the west and a more technical course in the east.

You'll find flush accessible restrooms, picnic facilities and day-use parking. Three reservable covered group shelters have BBQs, tables, water and electrical outlets; those shelter hookups don't establish public drinking-water access throughout the park. Parking requires a day-use permit purchased on site.