| Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint | |
|---|---|
 | |
   | |
| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Multnomah County,Oregon |
| Nearest city | Gresham |
| Coordinates | 45°32′14″N122°15′57″W / 45.53720°N 122.26576°W /45.53720; -122.26576[1] |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
Chanticleer Point is a geographical landmark on theOregon side of theColumbia River Gorge. It is the first notable overlook encountered traveling east on theHistoric Columbia River Highway. It is a typical location from which to take photos of the gorge featuringCrown Point and theVista House prominently. It overlooksRooster Rock State Park.
The overlook is part of theOregon state park system and its official name is thePortland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. A plaque placed at the site describes the Forum's support of this landmark.[2]
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In 1912,Meier & Frank waitress M.E. Margaret Henderson partnered with A.R. Morgan and his wife to openChanticleer Inn, a restaurant, on the site that now belongs to the park. The inn was known for its chicken and salmon dinners, cooked mostly by Henderson, and notably did not serve or allow alcohol. The inn hosted multiplePresidents, foreign dignitaries, and military officials. Henderson sold her share of the restaurant in 1914 and opened the Latourell Falls Chalet, a similar establishment, further upriver.[3][4]
Before 1915, when theColumbia River Highway was built, the only way to the inn was by taking a boat or train toRooster Rock, and walking or riding up a steep,unpaved road.[3][4] On October 8, 1930, the Chanticleer Inn burnt down. While the exact reason is unknown, it is said that a drunk patron left a lit cigarette in the restroom garbage can due to being upset at the lack of alcohol.[3]
In 1946, the Portland Women's Forum was founded with the purpose of preserving and beautifying the Columbia River Gorge.[5] In 1956, they purchased the site of the former inn from Julius L. Meyer Jr. (son of former Oregon GovernorJulius Meier) using money raised from various teas, fashion shows, doll shows, and other various fundraisers. Life memberships were also sold, and life members name's were placed on a plaque at the park.[6] In October 1962, the site was donated to the State of Oregon under the condition that the park be named after the Portland Women's Forum.[7]
In 1963, the newly builtInterstate 84 caused most through traffic to bypass the park.[8]
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint has multiple memorials and monuments as well as a few viewpoint areas. A short hiking trail, remnants of the original road to the point, is accessible from the parking lot as well.
