Rooster Rock, South Face

Activity Notes

Rooster Rock is a basalt obelisk that sticks out right next to I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge. Seen as good light trad practice or introduction for beginners to alpine-style climbing; Rooster Rock offers a 4th class scramble with a low 5th class finish that makes this one a favorite for a unique view in the gorge. Rooster Rock State Park requires an entry pass for each car. Passes are $10 for the day or $30 for an annual  pass (which is good for all State Park including Smith Rock!). You can purchase an annual pass ahead of time  at https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com/posProducts.do?contractCode=OR&posFilterCat=598053577 or use the pay station at the entrance to the park. Enter the park and turn left after the gate kiosk. We will meet in the parking area near the second restroom  building. This is adjacent to a disc golf course and a boat ramp. In the parking lot we will have a short preview of  how we will be climbing the second pitch (more on that below).   The walk to the crag will be across and through a grassy field towards Highway 84. As of Monday, 5/25 the  grass was very tall and overgrown. Though it may be hot, consider long sleeves/pants and tucking your cuffs  into your socks for this part (and consider bug spray with DEET). We will walk on the inside of the guard rail  along the highway to a short hill that leads to the base of the climb. This trail can have tricky footing and there is  a fair amount of undergrowth to push through, including blackberry vines. There are also a few logs to step over  and under. The last scramble up to the base of the climb is one of the trickier parts; I encourage you to take your  time and make use of the veggie belays!  At the base of the climb, we will set a fixed line to the second anchor. Climbers will be spaced out as there is  limited room at the second anchor and we will climb the second pitch one at a time. At the second anchor,  climbers will clip protection to the anchor while waiting for their turn to continue. When ready, climbers will tie a  Figure 8 on a Bight and clip this to their belay loop with two opposed locking carabiners, and climb the second  pitch on top-rope being belayed from above. This is a fairly easy climb with a few exposed moves. Climbing  shoes are not necessary but feel free to bring them along if you prefer (just be aware you might be wearing them  up to 1-2 hours, so it they are super tight you might reconsider).  Once everyone is at the summit we will start to rappel. We will be doing a double rope rappel all the way back down to the base of the rock. At the base we?ll pack up and retrace our path back to the parking lot, making sure to dodge any discs flying  around as we cross the course. As the weather will be hot, consider packing a change of clothes and take a dip  in the river before the drive home.