Nude Beach Etiquette

I’ll never forget the first (and only) time I visited a nude beach. I was new here…..just moved up from California. Having grown up in a beach town, I missed the beach soooo much more that I thought I would. My friends took me to a beach (can’t remember the name) on the Columbia and we went for a long walk…..a really long walk…..and somehow, we missed the clothing optional sign….but we certainly could not miss the guy who had opted for no clothes that day! Being caught by surprise, I’m sure we broke the important “no gawking” rule…but did you know there are other rules of etiquette when visiting a nude beach? If you’re planning a trip to Rooster Rock or Sauvie Island once the weather warms up….read & learn!

Leave your dog HOME! Dogs like to sniff strangers. Enough said.

Gawking is impolite. If you want to go to the nudist beach for a thrill, do everyone a favor and buy a magazine instead.

Ask for people’s consent before taking their photograph nude.

If you’re sunbathing nude in a secluded area, leave a bathing suit on a rock to let others know they are approaching an unclothed person. If you’re uncomfortable having your suit out of reach, bring a spare.

On a wide open beach, position yourself in the open so you can see people coming and put something on before they get there if you need to.

Get dressed before you leave the nudist beach.

Be friendly, but respect others’ rights to privacy.

Avoid sexual activity. It’s illegal and offensive.

Advances of an unwelcome or unwanted nature are not acceptable anywhere, and especially at a nudist beach.

Be Prepared. Sometimes, the nudist beach doesn’t have any amenities. Bring water, food, towel, sunscreen and anything else you need.

Keep the nudist beach clean. If you carried it in, carry it back out.