Collins Beach

Collins Beach is a famous, roughly one-mile stretch of sandy riverfront on Sauvie Island along the Columbia River, located about 20 miles (40 minutes) northwest of downtown Portland, Oregon. Managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is best known for being one of Oregon's few officially designated clothing-optional beaches.

Key Characteristics & Atmosphere

• Clothing-Optional: Nudity is common but completely optional. Visitors range from fully unclothed to fully dressed, and the general vibe is laid-back, inclusive, and non-judgmental.

• The "UFO Boat": A notable feature sitting just above the sand in the tree line is a metallic, 30-foot saucer-shaped vessel. Built in the 1970s as an experimental sailboat, it washed ashore decades ago and is now a heavily spray-painted, mossy local oddity.

• Scenic & Shaded: Unlike standard ocean beaches, Collins Beach features freshwater with calm, warm swimming conditions, backed by a lush line of cottonwood trees offering plenty of shade for hammocks and blankets.

Logistics & Rules

• Parking Permits Required: A parking permit is mandatory to park along the beach area.

  • On summer weekends and select holidays, ODFW uses a Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit system ($10/day). These often sell out in advance on hot days, so buying online before driving out is essential.

  • Standard ODFW Wildlife Area Permits ($10/day) cover weekday parking. Passes can also be picked up at local markets near the entrance to Sauvie Island.

• Hours: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM (no overnight camping or bonfires allowed).

• Alcohol Ban: Alcohol is strictly prohibited across the entire wildlife area and beach from May 1 through September 30.

• Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed, though leashes are recommended.

• Facilities: Amenities are minimal. Expect portable toilets near the main trail access points, but no running water, trash cans, or food vendors—pack in, pack out, and bring plenty of water and bug spray.