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, people suddenly call in sick at work or school. That's when our parking lot fills up!

Summers and Rooster Rock are like peas and carrots; they just go together. Three miles of sandy beaches bring out the crowds. One of the largest swimming areas near Portland 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 nude beaches). By design, the nude beach area is completely separate and not visible from the clothing-required area of the large park. The two areas coexist in harmony.

Our covered picnic shelters and tables serve families and groups of all sizes. Rooster Rock's boat ramp is located in the scenic lagoon at the base of looming Rooster Rock. You?ll find some of the best bass, steelhead and walleye fishing around here.

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 at Rooster Rock State Park 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 winter recreation in the Gorge and the Cascades.

Vital stats:Three reservable picnic shleters and two reservable day use areas. $3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas.Call (503) 695-2261 or (800) 551-6949 for information. This park has a designated off-leash area for your pet. A leash no longer than 6 feet is required elsewhere in the park.