Wandering Bare will celebrate National Naked Hiking Day with a naked hike up to Rooster Rock. Our trek will start at the Trout Creek Trail Head. Since the parking lot will only hold a few cars we’ll meet at the Rooster Rock Trail Head about 2 miles east on Hwy 20 and then carpool to the Trout Creek Trail Head. The hike is about 5 miles of steady ascent and 3 miles back down. You know you are getting close to the top when the madrones start to become immersed in the Douglas firs you’ve been seeing the whole way up. Just shy of the top stands the andesite and basalt pillar is known as Rooster Rock (not to be confused with its namesake in the Columbia River Gorge). Another 100 yards up, and we’ve reached our goal. There is a fantastic view looking out over the South Santiam canyon, and the Three Sisters peek above the hills. After we’ve enjoyed the scenery, it’s time for the descent. Now that the uphill battle has been fought and won. You can notice the finesse of the forest, including Indian pipe, dragonflies, centipedes, wild berries, and perhaps a spotted owl or hairy woodpecker. All in all, the hike will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, an incredible naked hiking escape into a serene and uncrowded natural area.

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