Castle Rock Overlook Illinois 2, Oregon, IL 61061

"You don't see the overlook when you first get into the parking lot but there is a sign pointing where to go. It's right off the parking lot and right off the river after you climb some stairs."

"It's a beautiful place to stop and relax. It's neat and clean. When walking around, I have noticed that trash barrels where secured with chains. Initially, I blamed visitors,but on the second thought I belive that the raising water would easily sweep away anything that floats."

"Nice place to visit, it so simple to get to that we took my 87 year old mom for a walk up to the observation platform."

"Easy and low elevation summit (0.3 mile that gains 60 feet or so) to a gorgeous panoramic view of the Rock river winding through this hilly area. The overlook has a sturdy and well-built wooden staircase leading to two different levels of platform where you can take in the scenery. It's hot up there in the summer with NO shade, so make sure you hydrate after lingering. Nice place to see fall foliage as well. I think open year round? Ample parking adjacent to the river with a slight sloping bank good for boat/kayak launches. There's a few picnic tables there under some shade trees. Make this visit the final stop after longer hikes in Castle Rock State Park--nice forested trails with bubbling brooks. Minimal elevation overall, so easy hiking."

"We visited this overlook twice this year (winter and summer). It's an easy 5 minute walk, up the stairs. In winter you get better view of the Rock River, and in summer its partially obstructed by the tree line. The views are pretty in both the seasons nonetheless. There are two lower / upper decks, and both of them have a bench where you can just sit, relax and enjoy the views. If you'd like to spend more time, there are couple of picnic tables and grills near the river bank. Porta potty only in the summer."