Rooster Rock State Park C/O Beach

Category: C/O Beaches

GPS GeoCoords: 45.548160N, 122.229327W (Top of stairs/ramp to C/O area at east end of parking lot)

The beach is located 25 miles east of Portland along Interstate Highway 84. Take Exit 25 (Rooster Rock State Park exit). The park has a user fee ($3 the last time I was there) which you pay as you enter. Right after the toll booth, hang a right and drive to the far east end of the parking lot and look for the public restroom building. A short distance east of the restrooms you will see a stairway leading down to the beach, or alternatively, a ramp straight east down to the sand in the back dunes. Be sure to wear shoes!

At the base is a wooden screen bench donated by AANR-NW. You are in the clothing-optional area now. You will have a good half mile hike down several trails (there is a trail map posted on the bench) before you come upon the sandy beaches fronting the Columbia River. Most times in late summer, the water level is so low (ankle deep) that you can wade right out to Sand Island and the best sunning areas . . . or explore the 40ft high dunes of the island, itself.

During the winter/spring/early summer months the Columbia River floods much of the beach area and it can be challenging getting around. Late July and into August, Rooster Rock shines as the river recedes and reveals over a mile of flar, sandy beaches and more miles of nude hiking trails.

Sand Island really becomes accessible during the mid part of August each year with the most portion being uncovered by low water levels during September. As a rule of thumb, if the water gage level just below the Bonneville dam is around 12-13 ft you will be able to wade out to Sand Island with water in some places up to chest high (this is typical at the beginning of August). During September the water levels drop down to 8-9 ft, the lowest of the year, and you can walk out to Sand Island without getting your feet wet at all. The current and historical water levels can be checked at the USGS site here

Panoramic of Rooster Rock