In August 1850 (Capt.) William Salter Baker, “of La Roche, Oregon Territory” executed a deed for several lots within the city of Portland to Orville Risley. A week later, Orville Risley, “of La Roche, Oregon Territory”, executed a deed to William S. Baker for land adjacent to Risley’s claim in Clackamas Co. – as collateral in exchange for Baker sailing to San Francisco and returning with a load of lumber for local investors. Baker filed a claim to that land, which was rejected. In November 1850 Orville Risley, “Of the town of La Roche”, executed a deed for 50 acres to William S. Baker. In 1857 Orville Risley established the “La Roche Library Association” out of his home. In May 1861 the Oregonian newspaper mentioned “La Roche” in conjunction with the place names “Willamette City” and “Milwaukie”.

The name “La Roche” is a French word, likely named for certain nearby rock outcroppings in the Willamette River, and possibly originating from the French fur trappers that frequented the river and the Vancouver Trail that passed through Risley’s land claim. Today Risley’s “La Roche” would be the general neighborhood of the River Forest subdivision.