Parks & Cruising Places
HAYDEN ISLAND’S “BARE ASS” BEACH
This island is located on the Columbia River between the State of Washington and the State of Oregon. The interstate bridge which crosses the island connects both states via Interstate 5.
Approximately 9.5 miles from downtown Portland.
Per article in the newspaper Northwest Gay Review, June 1977 written by W Holman “A Gay History – lest it be forgotten” shares many stories including parks, “There is much nostalgia – most of it out of reach to the present-day population. There was a house by the St. John Bridge, high on the river’s west bank, from which, with an aid of a telescope or binoculars, one cold watch the grabass on Bare Buns Beach. The beach is now capped with houses.”
Question: Were these totally different locations, were people talking about the same beach?
Photos from Flickr website
1954 Police Crack Pervert Gang ‘ Oregonian, Oct 8, 1954 “cracked down on a reported ring of homosexuals who for at least four years have used Hayden Island …as a bushy headquarters… ..nine juveniles who cooperated with authorities and told of their contacts and experiences…gave a sordid tale of homosexuality with older men for which they were paid from 75 cents to $1 per act, or in food, cigarettes or beer.’
