Rooster Rock faces threat to nude beach boundaries
Proposed rule could make it easier to shrink the clothing-optional area without public input
Rooster Rock State Park, one of Oregon’s premier locations for naturists and home to the country’s first officially designated clothing-optional beach, faces a potential change in how its clothing-optional boundaries are defined. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has proposed a rule change that could pave the way for easier future reductions to the clothing-optional area.
The existing rule, part of Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 736-010-0065, specifies fixed geographic boundaries for the clothing-optional section of the park. These boundaries are currently tied to physical landmarks, such as the easternmost beach access stairway and the high-water mark of the Columbia River. The proposed change, however, would replace these fixed designations with boundaries determined by maps published on the OPRD website. This would allow adjustments to be made without requiring public hearings or formal processes.
Rooster Rock’s history
Rooster Rock State Park, nestled along the Columbia River Gorge, boasts a fascinating history that intertwines natural beauty with cultural significance. Noted by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 as “Beaten Rock,” the basalt column for which the park is named was later colloquially known as “Cock Rock” for its phallic resemblance. The name was eventually sanitized to “Rooster Rock” to align with public sensibilities.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the secluded eastern portion of the park became popular among naturists for nude recreation. By the 1980s, in an effort to formalize and manage its use, OPRD designated the area as clothing-optional, cementing Rooster Rock’s reputation as a haven for body freedom. Today, it remains one of two officially recognized clothing-optional beaches in Oregon, alongside Collins Beach on Sauvie Island.
For naturists, Rooster Rock is more than just a beach. It represents decades of advocacy for body freedom and inclusivity, providing a legal and safe environment for nude recreation in a stunning natural setting. “It is the oldest acknowledged nude beach in the state of Oregon and the first officially acknowledged and accepted one in the U.S.,” Mike Parker, Chair of the Willamettans Government Affairs Team (GAT) told Planet Nude.
Call to action from the nudist community
Mike Parker and the Willamettans GAT have issued a call to action urging nudists and naturists to oppose the change. “It would be too easy to amend the clothing-optional area boundaries via a simple map change rather than a public change to the first section of the affected document. We oppose this and would like it defeated or withdrawn from consideration!” Parker emphasized.
Parker also highlighted the longstanding, collaborative relationship between the nudist community and OPRD, stating that “AANR-NW has done two clothing-optional area clean-ups per year for over 20 years at the nude section of Rooster Rock State Park, widened one trail and created another to the nude sandy beach area, [and] has done many Earth Day tree planting events, facilitating the donation of 300 to 500 tree saplings per year for these events.” AANR-NW also formally adopts the park and works closely with park rangers and the regional park director to maintain the space, Parker noted.
Naturists and advocates can participate in two key ways:
Attend the virtual public hearing: Scheduled for January 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Registration is required to receive the meeting link, which can be done via this Zoom link.
Submit comments: Written comments are being accepted until January 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM. These can be emailed to Helena Kesch at Helena.Kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or mailed to OPRD’s office in Salem.
The stakes for naturists
The proposed rule, while presented as a procedural update for “clarity and flexibility,” has sparked concern among naturists who fear it could lead to unchecked reductions of the clothing-optional area. The ability to adjust boundaries by simply updating an online map diminishes the role of public accountability in managing these cherished spaces.
Rooster Rock is a symbol of progress for naturist rights in the United States. The community’s response to this proposed change will determine whether its legacy continues unimpeded or becomes subject to bureaucratic whim. 🪐
I was among those early naturist pioneers who anchored the clothing-optional section of Rooster Rock. I have tons of photos from those early years that depict fun-loving people enjoying their body freedom while celebrating "oneness" with nature. As the mighty Columbia River rushes from the Gorge towards the sea many miles away, it provides a natural energy that invigorates the human spirit while illuminating the mind with breathtakingly beautiful scenery that soothes the soul. This backdrop brings together loving people who cannot help but be excited to be there in their most natural state.
In the summer of 1977 our "tribe" came together and formed a diverse family of nature lovers who were in awe of the power and strength of being nude in such a gorgeous setting. We worshipped this gift from Mother Nature by working to protect it from outsiders with negative energy. Beach volleyball united us in the pursuit of body and spiritual health. Out nets served as a beacon for those who needed assistance. In the days before cell phones, we became the stewards of this beach, known for helping anyone in need. In an emergency our family members with boats could use their marine radios to get help or ferry people and pets to the mainland.
We became fiercely protective of our beach over the years. Knowing that inappropriate activities could cause the loss of our clothing-optional status, we bonded with the sheriffs who patrolled our area and we took it upon ourselves to remove trouble makers, one way or another.
Many of us raised our families at Rooster Rock. My daughter learned to water ski in the lagoon there. Now she is a world famous show skier with walls full of photos and rooms full of trophies. She and her husband own and operate a business that builds competition custom made water skis used in glittering ski shows around the world.
If only those basalt cliffs at Rooster Rock could talk! They would tell the stories of people from all walks of life, to include Vietnam veterans like me who came there broken in mind and spirit who got their mojo back after discovering the power of naturism. On any given day you could rub elbows with priests and rabbis, artists, military troops, CEOs and homemakers, hippies and college professors, car mechanics and school teachers, meter maids and bridge tenders. On sunny days we were one with 3000 - 5000 happy naturists in this awesome place.
At Rooster Rock we were all equal.
I will be using your article to call out to our beach family, now scattered across the country, to participate in this virtual town hall. We need to preserve this treasure for future generations and for people who just need to get their mojo back.
It is disappointing to read of this proposed change. If the change was to possibly increase the area to include the rest rooms I would not hesitate to be in support. Many of we Rooster Rock volunteers and visitors can remember when the entire park was clothing optional. It took a piece of legislation to require clothing be worn in an area of the park. Visitors come from long distances with their destination being Rooster Rock because they enjoy the option of nude recreation. As far as I have been able to research Oregon is the only state with a state park sanctioned clothing optional area. Why do I oppose this proposal? MY question is "Why is there a need for the change."