|
Rooster Rock Overview
Rooster Rock is mostly a fall, winter, and spring sailing venue. It has the distinction of being the windiest place in The Gorge during fall and winter east winds. Gusts of over 60MPH have been reported, and average wind speeds over 40MPH are not unheard of. In the summer months, there are light west winds at Rooster, suitable for beginners only.
Being an east wind spot, the water state is typically pretty flat. Small to medium swells will build up when the wind is over 30MPH. Currents can be strong in the spring which means you really have to point to stay in one spot.
In the fall, when water levels are low, there can be a large mudflat near shore which you have to cross to get to the water. There is a sandbar at the waters edge (near the large tripod) that can be submerged when water is a bit deeper - watch out for this when coming in and jibing. The water drops off sharply at the sandbar and the current is strong in this area.
Parking and rigging areas are excellent. There are real bathrooms and water is available. The long carry down the stairs can be a pain when it's really blowing. Also, mind your gear, as big gusts have been known to blow boards off cars and send rigs windmilling through the parking lot.
Since this is an OR State Park, there is a $3 daily use charge. Alternatively, you can get an annual pass at the office in the park building.
|
 |
Local Expert?  Edit this Page!
Regional Directory
|
|
Shops,
Schools,
Clubs,
Events,
Food,
Lodging,
More,
|
|
 |
|
| Season: |
East winds: Sept - May |
|
| Water: |
flat to small chop |
|
| Ability Level: |
intermediate/advanced |
|
| Familiness: |
OR State Park with all the trimmings |
|
| Parking: |
Huge parking lots |
|
| Launch: |
Grass rigging area, long carry down stairs, mud flats when water is low |
|
|
 |
|
Maps & Directions
Exit 25 on I-84. Go to the toll booth at the stop sign and get a day pass for $3. Some people like to launch just to the east of the park building. Others like to launch just to the west of the park building. Still others like to go further west to the last set of stairs where the water is deeper to avoid the mudflats when the water level is low.
|
|
|
Sensor Notes
The wind sensor is new here (installed in May 2007) and is mounted to the roof at the east end of the park building.
Jan. 1, 2008: reports from windsurfers out in 40MPH winds gusting to 60: it indeed appears that the gust reading at this sensor gives a fairly good indication of the average steady-state winds mid-river.
May 30 2007: My observations over the last few days are that the gust readings on this sensor are close to the steady state winds on the river. (Only easterly wind observed.)
|
|
|
