Rooster Rock State Park sits along the Columbia River just 22 miles east of Portland, making it one of the most accessible gateways to the Columbia River Gorge. Named for the distinctive basalt monolith rising from the riverbank, the park offers a rare combination of sandy beaches, river access, and dramatic Gorge scenery without the crowds of nearby Multnomah Falls.

The park’s two sandy beaches are the main draw. The east beach stretches wide along the Columbia, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing when afternoon Gorge winds pick up. A separate clothing-optional beach on the west end — one of the few officially designated in Oregon — has operated since 1975. Both beaches offer views of Crown Point and the towering basalt cliffs that define the Gorge.

Disc golf players come for the well-regarded 18-hole course that winds through meadows and stands of Douglas fir. Picnic areas with shelters accommodate large groups, and a boat ramp provides direct access to the Columbia for kayaking, fishing, and waterskiing. Short walking trails loop through the park’s wooded interior, though this isn’t a hiking destination.

Rooster Rock is a day-use park only — no camping is available. An Oregon State Parks day-use permit or $5 daily pass is required.

Visit between June and September for the warmest water and reliable sunshine. Spring brings wildflowers but cooler river temperatures. Winter visits are quiet, with moody Gorge weather and far fewer visitors. The park closes at sunset year-round.

Explore Nearby

• Historic Columbia River Highway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
• Sandy Wild and Scenic River — Public Land in Oregon
• Lost Lake sits within the Widow Mountain Wilderness Study Area — Public Land
• Mount Hood National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
• Cedar Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington