Location
United States
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September
About Collins Beach
Collins Beach is a mile-long sandy beach on the Columbia River shore of Sauvie Island, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Portland, inside the 12,000-acre Sauvie Island Wildlife Area run by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It sits at milepost 11 on Reeder Road, a quarter mile past where the pavement ends, and is one of Oregon's two official clothing-optional beaches (the other is Rooster Rock). The clothing-optional area runs for about 1,400 feet south of the private-property signs at the north boundary; ODFW asks nude users to stay inside the posted limits, and straying onto the clothed North Unit Beach next door has caused complaints from landowners. The beach is fine river sand backed by cottonwoods, with views of passing cargo ships and across to Washington. River levels change the beach width through the year, and in early summer snowmelt can leave it narrow. Ship wakes can be strong. It draws a relaxed, local mix of regulars, couples and groups of friends, and has been used by nudists since at least the 1970s.
Getting there
From Portland take US-30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge, then follow NW Sauvie Island Rd and Reeder Road north to milepost 11 (pavement ends shortly before). Park along the left of the gravel road and take the marked foot trails on the right to the beach. An ODFW parking permit is required; on weekends and holidays from June 15 to Labor Day you need the $10 daily Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit, bought online at MyODFW.com or at island stores. Unpermitted cars are towed. No public transport. Beach open 4am-10pm.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a laid-back, friendly local beach with soft sand and warm, swimmable river water in late summer, and many say it is the easiest nude beach to reach from Portland. Common gripes are the strict permit enforcement and towing, crowded weekend parking, and river conditions: high water early in summer shrinks the beach and ship wakes can surprise swimmers. Some reports mention litter and occasional loud groups or gawkers near the boundary. Regulars advise bringing a permit in advance because phone signal on the island is poor.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
ODFW manages the beach with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and its map marks Collins Beach as clothing-optional within posted boundaries (1,400 ft south of the private property signs). Nudity outside that zone, especially on the adjacent North Unit Beach, has drawn landowner complaints; fires, camping and unleashed dogs are prohibited.
Naturism at Collins Beach sits under United States's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 45.7689, -122.7817
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Collins Beach officially clothing-optional?
Yes. ODFW designates the posted section of Collins Beach as clothing-optional; stay within the signs.
Do I need a parking permit?
Yes. On summer weekends and holidays (June 15 to Labor Day) a $10 daily Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit is required; other times an ODFW wildlife area permit covers it.
Are there toilets?
Yes, ODFW provides portable toilets funded by permit revenue.
When is the beach best?
Late July through September, when the river is lower, the beach wider and the water warmer.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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