The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area draws crowds to Multnomah Falls — but two state parks, one on each side of the river, capture the Gorge experience with far less jostling for parking. Both are day-trip distance from Portland.
Rooster Rock State Park (Oregon) — 22 miles east of Portland
Just off I-84 at exit 25, Rooster Rock State Park stretches along more than three miles of sandy Columbia River beaches beneath the basalt column that gave the park its name — Lewis and Clark camped at its base in November 1805. Steady Gorge winds make it a windsurfing and kiteboarding favorite, and families fill the swimming beaches on hot weekends (arrive before 11 a.m. in summer; the lot closes when full). Day use requires a $5 Oregon State Parks permit.
Beacon Rock State Park (Washington) — the Gorge’s stair-step monolith
Across the river in Washington, Beacon Rock State Park is built around an 848-foot basalt monolith — one of the largest of its kind in North America. A famous mile-long trail of switchbacks, ramps, and railings zigzags up the rock face to panoramic Gorge views, and the park behind it adds miles of forest trails toward Hamilton Mountain. A Washington Discover Pass covers parking.
Planning your trip
The two parks pair perfectly: beaches and windsurfing on the Oregon side in the afternoon, the Beacon Rock climb on the Washington side in the morning. Browse all Oregon state parks and Washington state parks for more, or see our state park hiking guide. Details verified against Oregon State Parks sources (June 2026) — confirm current fees, hours, and conditions before you go.
