Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Rock
Best season
July to September
About People’s Park
People's Park is the wooded peninsula at the confluence of Latah (Hangman) Creek and the Spokane River, just west of downtown Spokane and part of the city's High Bridge Park. The site was an Indigenous meeting and fishing place for centuries, sat largely unused after the city acquired it in 1913, and was turned into a free campground for low-budget visitors during Expo '74. After the camp officially closed in November 1974, people kept using the riverbank, and the park became known locally for nude sunbathing. That reputation survives, but nude use today is sporadic and depends on the day: it happens mainly along stretches of riverbank away from the main trails rather than in one fixed spot. The shoreline is rocky, with smooth river stones, flat rocks for lying out and small patches of sand. The river bottom is uneven and slippery, and the current can be strong during spring snowmelt, so swimming is safer later in summer. There are no facilities at the water. Visitors include walkers, swimmers, locals and the occasional nudist, and parts of the park have had homeless camps and occasional moose sightings.
Getting there
The park is reached from the trailhead by the Sandifur Memorial Bridge, west of downtown off the High Bridge Park area; Spokane Parks and Recreation has paved the parking lot there and improved the path down to the river. Parking is free but spaces are limited. From the lot it is a short walk on dirt trails to the shoreline, with some uneven and rocky ground near the water. There is no transit stop inside the park; buses run nearby and a short walk is needed. Do not leave valuables visible in the car.
What visitors say
Visitors like the river setting, the short walk to the water and the sense of local counterculture history, and some still sunbathe nude on quieter stretches of shore. Common complaints are the lack of toilets, litter, homeless camps, and an uneasy feel around the parking lot, with reports of car break-ins and suspicious activity. Strong currents early in the season are a recurring warning. Overall opinion is mixed: it is a casual local river spot rather than an established nude beach, and nudists should not expect company.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The City of Spokane has never designated any part of People's Park for nudity, and no city page confirms that it is tolerated. Washington's indecent exposure law targets exposure likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm, so nudity here relies on discretion and the absence of complaints. Its nude-beach reputation dates mostly from the 1970s.
Naturism at People’s Park sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 47.6572, -117.4606
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is People's Park an official nude beach?
No. Its reputation for nude sunbathing dates from the 1970s, and the city has never designated a nude area. Any nudity today is informal and occasional.
Where do people go nude?
There is no fixed nude section. People who do go nude choose quieter stretches of riverbank away from the main trails.
Is there parking?
Yes, a small free lot at the trailhead by the Sandifur Bridge, which was recently paved. Spaces are limited and car break-ins have been reported.
Is it safe to swim?
The Spokane River can run fast and cold during spring snowmelt, and the bottom is slippery. Late summer is usually calmer, but there is no lifeguard.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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