Rooster Rock State Park
The monolith was mentioned in the journal of the explorers Lewis and Clark as their camping place on November 2, 1805. The name is phallic in origin, specifically, the column's original name was "Cock Rock". The Chinook word for the rock was iwash, referring to penis. The name was later modified to Rooster Rock so as not to offend the public.
The eastern portion of the park is designated as a clothing-optional beach, the first officially designated clothing-optional beach in the U.S. The only other clothing-optional beach in the state, after Glassbar Island's closing, is Collins Beach, on Sauvie Island in the Columbia River, north of Portland.
The area around the parking lot has been a favorite astronomy spot for amateur astronomers in the area, with organizations such as OMSI hosting multiple star parties at the venue.
Gallery
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Rooster Rock sign
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Rooster Rock plaque
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Squirrels at Rooster Rock State Park
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Rooster Rock State Park from top of Rooster Rock
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Abandoned osprey nest at the top of Rooster Rock
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A climber starts to rappel down Rooster Rock