Location
United States
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September
About Rooster Rock State Park
Rooster Rock State Park sits on the south bank of the Columbia River at the western mouth of the Columbia River Gorge, about 25 miles east of Portland, named after the basalt pillar rising beside the river. The park has around three miles of river beach, picnic shelters, disc golf and a flat riverside trail. The eastern part of the park is a designated clothing-optional beach, often cited as the first officially designated one in the US; Oregon State Parks says it is separated by design so it cannot be seen from the clothing-required areas. Visitors reach it by heading east past the last restroom building and down steps to the sandy, willow-fringed riverbank. The beach is river sand and driftwood with gorge cliffs across the water in Washington, and the river is cold, wide and has a real current. Beach width changes with river levels: in high water, usually late spring and early summer, foot access to the nude beach can be limited. Summer weekends are busy with a mixed crowd of Portland locals, couples and groups.
Getting there
Take I-84 east from Portland to exit 25 (Rooster Rock State Park), about 25 miles. A day-use parking permit is required, sold at the booth (cash or check) or, when it is closed, from a card-only machine; sources quote $5 to $10, so check the current rate. Drive past the entrance booth to the eastern parking lot, then walk east past the last restroom building and down the steps to the river; it is a few minutes' walk on paths and sand. The park is open roughly 7am to 10pm in summer. No public transport. Check river levels before going, as high water can cut off the beach.
What visitors say
Visitors like the easy freeway access from Portland, the sandy riverbank and gorge views, and describe a friendly, diverse crowd of couples, seniors and a large LGBTQ+ contingent. Many wade across a sandbar to Sand Island for more space, though reviewers warn to stay on the mainland when the river is high or fast. The unmarked branching trails confuse first-timers; the advice is to head for the water. Restrooms and showers are described as clean, and it can be busy by 9am on summer weekends.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department provides a clothing-optional beach at the east end of Rooster Rock State Park, separated by design from the clothing-required areas. Nudity elsewhere in the park is not allowed, and normal state park rules on conduct apply.
Naturism at Rooster Rock State Park sits under United States's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 45.5489, -122.2833
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is the nude beach at Rooster Rock official?
Yes. Oregon State Parks runs a clothing-optional beach at the park's east end, separated from the clothed areas.
How do I get to the nude section?
From the east parking lot, walk east past the last restroom building and down the steps to the river.
Is there a fee?
Yes, a day-use parking permit is needed; buy it at the booth or the card-only fee machine.
When is the best time to go?
Mid to late summer, when the Columbia is lower and the beach is widest. High water in spring can limit access.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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