Cross Park
City park
4.5 (386)
2 82nd Dr, Gladstone, OR 97027
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
City River Parks With Hazardous Moving-Water Swimming ContextOR
Cross Park - High Rocks
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Gladstone's Clackamas River parks with the revised 2026 High Rocks guard program, lawful north-bank access and a clear distinction from Cross Park.
Swimming restriction
Follow current city signs and rescue/lifeguard instructions. Avoid jumping, diving and high or rising water; a safety patrol does not certify river depth or remove currents. Do not transfer guard coverage to Cross Park or the opposite bank.
Official sources checked:
Water type
City River Parks With Hazardous Moving-Water Swimming Context
Access
Informal
Fee
No current swimming admission or parking rate established in these sources; confirm city signs and any separate parking rules.
Best season
The 2026 agreement covered Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day three-day weekends plus up to eight forecast hot days. No continuous guard schedule or 2027 continuation is established
Nearby towns
Portland, Oregon City, Gladstone
Water body
Clackamas River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Portland, Oregon City, Gladstone
Access location not verified
GLADSTONE, OR
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Cross Park - High Rocks
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Cross Park and High Rocks
High Rocks is a recognized river-swimming destination, not a controlled swimming pool. Cross Park is a separate downstream city park. Oregon City's May 27, 2026 notice replaced an old continuous-summer guard assumption with limited selected-day coverage; neither bank should be described as universally guarded or safe for jumping.
The 2026 guard agreement is not daily coverage
Oregon City says AMR ended its former service because of costs. The new intergovernmental arrangement funded selected holiday weekends and up to eight additional forecast hot days, with future continuation subject to evaluation. Confirm actual coverage for a specific visit; do not rely on the older summer-long description.
Keep Cross Park and the riverbanks distinct
The local water-trail partnership identifies High Rocks on Gladstone's north bank and Cross Park downstream with paved paths and natural river approaches. Opposite-bank rock faces and restored habitat have different boundaries. A park sign or photograph is not authorization for every ledge or bank.
Choose a river visit that does not depend on jumping
Use legal parking, respect barriers and carry suitable flotation for river conditions. Do not recreate a cliff jump, assume a quiet pool has no current or treat seasonal rescue coverage as a supervised swimming-pool environment. Check the current transit trip and entrance before leaving Portland.
Check this destination before travel
- Oregon City May 2026 revised High Rocks lifeguard agreement
- Gladstone High Rocks location and river hazards
- Local water-trail partnership: distinct city parks and north-bank access
See the High Rocks setting
The photograph shows Clackamas River water bordered by rock ledges and trees. It illustrates the High Rocks part of this paired record, not an exact Cross Park approach or a recommended ledge route. Do not use the scene to judge depth, jump clearance or present guard coverage; the current operating arrangement and river conditions need separate checks.
Getting There
Use Gladstone's current High Rocks Park entrance at 25 82nd Drive and lawful signed city access for Cross Park. Confirm parking and current transit routes rather than relying on the archived bus number or closed-truss-bridge description.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use Gladstone's current High Rocks Park entrance at 25 82nd Drive and lawful signed city access for Cross Park. Confirm parking and current transit routes rather than relying on the archived bus number or closed-truss-bridge description.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Follow current city signs and rescue/lifeguard instructions. Avoid jumping, diving and high or rising water; a safety patrol does not certify river depth or remove currents. Do not transfer guard coverage to Cross Park or the opposite bank. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Clackamas River trail
Hiking area
4.1 (24)
16350 Main St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Clackamette RV Park
RV park
4.2 (838)
1955 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045
Public park offers a variety of all-age activities, including picnic tables & a paved boat launch.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
Historic Oregon City
Visitor center
4.5 (1044)
1726 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Interpretive center with costumed guides & interactive exhibits showcasing life in the mid-1800s.
Offers toursRestroomWi-Fi
Restroom
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
3 (4)
19900 Willamette Dr, West Linn, OR 97068
Red Mud Ranch
Campground
17689 S Deininger Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (1)
32800 SW Boones Bend Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (1671)
19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140
Suburban nature preserve with walking trails & a visitor's center with educational programming.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Park - High Rocks
Is High Rocks an officially recognized swimming destination?
Oregon City describes it as a popular Clackamas River swimming area. That recognition does not guarantee safe depth, gentle flow or permission to jump.
Were lifeguards on duty every summer day in 2026?
No. The revised May 2026 agreement covered three holiday weekends plus up to eight forecast hot days. Confirm actual coverage directly.
Does the same guard coverage apply at Cross Park?
No source establishes that. Cross Park is a separate downstream destination, not an extension of a uniform guarded beach.
Can we use the old Portland bus directions?
Recheck the current transit route and stop. The preserved bus number is historical, not a verified present timetable.
Can we jump from the opposite-bank rocks?
No jump permission or underwater-clearance survey is established. Different bank ownership and access limits also apply.
Will the same guard agreement continue in 2027?
The May 2026 notice says the agencies would evaluate the summer before deciding whether and how service continues. Do not promise future coverage.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
The gallery illustrates the High Rocks river and rock-ledged setting. It is not a mapped Cross Park entry, a maintained jump location or proof of present lifeguard staffing, depth, flow or suitable swimming conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
The 2026 agreement covered Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day three-day weekends plus up to eight forecast hot days. No continuous guard schedule or 2027 continuation is established.
Difficulty Level
Use the named current lawful approach. No guaranteed shallow pool, easy creek descent or surveyed accessible bathing entrance is asserted.
Fee
No current swimming admission or parking rate established in these sources; confirm city signs and any separate parking rules.
Facilities
High Rocks has a limited seasonal safety program, not year-round lifeguard service. Cross Park's paths and river access are separate; no changing-room, staffed beach or surveyed accessible water entry is promised.
Activities
Swimming or soaking only at the named manager-supported destination under actual operating, access and water-condition limits.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No river-park camping authorization established.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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