Rooster Rock Climbing Crag

Rooster Rock provides a scenic and beginner friendly alpine-style rock climbing experience just a few minutes from Portland's city limits. Nestled between the Columbia River and Interstate 84, the basalt pinnacle rises approximately 200 feet above the river, which allows for unobstructed summit views up and down the Gorge: you'll see Beacon Rock to the east and the nearby Vista House perched above Crown Point.  The high quality rock, good climbing holds, and long rappel make Rooster Rock a wonderful way to start or finish a day in the Gorge.

From the parking lot on the west end of the state park, walk south through the fields that are just east of the small river inlet, then stay west along I-84. Shortly after passing the mileage sign for Portland, take a trail north that leads to the base of the obelisk. At the end of the trail, the climbing starts with a fourth-class scramble to a bolted anchor at the base of the fifth-class pitch. Head right to the obvious route, where you will find good holds and decent opportunities to place smaller protection. The single 5.4 pitch can be lead with a 60 meter rope, but two ropes are needed for the lengthy rappel from the summit all the way down to the approach trail. Take care to keep your knot from lodging itself into the many notches near the rappel chains.