Rooster Rock State Park

Rooster Rock is a nature reserve in Multnomah County that runs along three miles (five kilometers) of Columbia River shoreline and includes two disc golf courses plus several covered picnic areas. The facilities offer visitors different recreation options close to the water and under shaded shelters.

Lewis and Clark documented this location in their expedition journal as their camp on November 2, 1805. Their records mark an early encounter of European explorers with this river landscape.

The basalt monolith takes its name from the Chinook, who called it iwash before it was renamed for wider public use. This linguistic shift reflects how original place names evolved into modern designations over time.

Day-use parking permits are mandatory and can be purchased through on-site machines that accept cash, checks, and cards. The machines are located near the entrances and allow direct access without prior reservation.

The eastern section contains the first officially designated clothing-optional beach in the United States, established by Oregon authorities. This feature sets the reserve apart from other river recreation areas along the Columbia.

Location: Multnomah County

Operator: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=126

GPS coordinates: 45.54460,-122.23600

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29