Collins Beach (Sauvie Island)

Collins Beach is the clothing-optional beach on the northeast side of Sauvie Island, on the Columbia River about 40 minutes' drive north of downtown Portland. It has been used as a nude beach since the 1970s, and the northern end has long been where the gay crowd gathers. You need a Sauvie Island day parking permit, roughly $10, which you buy on the island before you arrive. Access is open roughly 4am to 10pm. There are only basic toilets and no services, so bring water, food and shade. Sunny summer weekends get busy, so go early.