Rooster Rock State Park Park
Columbia River Gorge park with iconic basalt column
On the Columbia River east of Portland, Rooster Rock State Park offers river access, basalt outcrops and popular windsurfing conditions; visitors hike river trails, picnic and watch windsurfers on the Gorge.
Rooster Rock State Park at a Glance#
Address: Rooster Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, near Corbett/Troutdale, Oregon
Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Hours: Park grounds: Daily sunrise-sunset
Admission: Free day-use park; parking fee may apply in summer
About Rooster Rock State Park#
Rooster Rock State Park is a state park in Oregon on the south shore of the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge, just east of the Portland metropolitan area near Troutdale. The park takes its name from a prominent basalt column and rock formation that sits near the river.
The park includes riverfront day-use areas, picnic facilities, trails and a beach on the Columbia River. Strong winds in the gorge make sections of the riverfront popular for kiteboarding and windsurfing, while the beach and picnic areas attract families and day visitors.
A stretch of the beach has a long-standing history as a clothing-optional area; the park is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation for day recreation and river access.
- Location and activities: Located along the Columbia River Gorge, close to Portland and Troutdale, with riverfront day-use areas popular for wind sports and picnicking.
- Key features: Contains a notable basalt column that gives the park its name and a designated beach area that has been used historically by naturists.
How to Get to Rooster Rock State Park#
About 30-40 minutes east of downtown Portland via I‑84; take exit for Rooster Rock/Troutdale and follow signs. The park is visible from the highway and has a marked access road and parking; during peak summer expect delays getting in and out.
Tips for Visiting Rooster Rock State Park#
- Go early on weekends in summer-the small parking lot fills fast
- For windsurfing and kiteboarding, check wind reports for the Columbia River Gorge; conditions change quickly
- The clothing-optional section is located on a designated stretch-respect signage and other visitors
Best Time to Visit Rooster Rock State Park#
Summer for beach and watersports; spring and autumn for fewer crowds and pleasant hiking-winter offers strong winds for experienced boarders.
Weather & Climate near Rooster Rock State Park#
Rooster Rock State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1525 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 0° - 7° | 1° | 215 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 10° | 3° | 173 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 3° - 13° | 6° | 155 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 10° - 23° | 16° | 66 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 26 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 27° | 19° | 34 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 24° | 17° | 71 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 118 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 221 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 7° | 1° | 230 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
