Trip Report: Climbing at Rooster Rock State Park
When: 9/30/2019
Location: Rooster Rock State Park
Conditions: Foggy and 55 Degreees
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy, but takes trad climbing experience
Usefull links: www.mountainproject.com
Full Report:
Climb Rooster Rock!
Rooster Rock is a sweet multi-pitch climb that is close to Portland. It is located at Rooster Rock State Park, just off I-84 behind the small lake. (Turn left when you enter the parking lot) There are multiple routes on the rock, but the classic route is 2 pitches with a 5.6 sport start and a 5.5 trad finish or a 3rd class scramble to the 5.5 trad. We chose the scramble to start since the bolted route was a bit muddy and I had to be at work by 9:30 am.
The scramble has 2 bolts pretty spaced out. The first anchor is nicely placed for an easy spot to hang out and belay for the second pitch. The trad placements are plentiful but be careful to check the rock quality before you place because there is for sure some loose stuff up there. (oh yeah….wear your helmet bro!) Also, make sure to have some long slings/alpine draws towards the top to prevent rope drag since the route takes a big zig to the right and a zag to the left.
Once at the top the view of the gorge is spectacular! Soak it all in and hang out for a bit. We were there and got to watch the sun burn of the fog slowly. It was awesome! If you don’t have to rush to work maybe put your kayak in the water and go explore the rest of the park.