Memaloose State Park, State park near The Dalles, United States.
Memaloose State Park sits along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon with maple, willow, and cottonwood trees scattered across open meadows. The space includes camping areas, walking trails, and direct access to the river's edge.
Native peoples used the nearby Memaloose Island as a burial ground for centuries, placing their dead on open pyres. In the 1800s, a non-indigenous settler was also buried on the island, marking a rare shift in its sacred use.
The name draws from Chinook Jargon, an indigenous trade language that reflects the area's native heritage. Walking through the park, visitors encounter this linguistic connection in signage and the local landscape.
The campground offers different accommodation options with basic amenities including hot showers and restroom facilities. The park welcomes visitors year-round and works well for day trips or extended stays with either tent or RV.
A granite monument on Memaloose Island marks the burial of a senator, the only non-indigenous person laid to rest in this sacred ground. Visitors can spot this marker from the campground and gain insight into an unusual chapter of the park's past.
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