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Nude Beaches

Humboldt Country

North Garberville Beach

New listing!

Rating: C

Just off Highway 101 and only five miles from Garberville, there's a beach on the south fork of the Eel River that's so hidden some visitors even camp nude there. It's been getting rave reviews from local residents for years. We're glad to unveil it here.

"The beach is excellent for tents," says reader Dave. "I have camped there two weekends so far. It's really private and fun."


Legal status:Read more »

Elsewhere on Trinity River

Rating: C

Even more nude sunbathing spots dot the riverbank past Willow Creek and the locations mentioned in Elsewhere Near Willow Creek. "The whole river is full of great swimming holes," says Ian Colvert, a former Humboldt State University student who's now a senior survey technician for the U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). What was his formula for finding them? "I just went with my girlfriend, and we got naked whenever we could."

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

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Willow Creek Beach

Rating: C

Just outside the town of Willow Creek and east of Willow Creek Bridge, people gather on warm days on the sand and rocks of a little riverbank beach. "On the day I went there wasn't anybody nude, but I know other people who like to get naked there," says a visitor who went with his girlfriend and found several other couples present.

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

 

How to find it:Read more »

Big Rock Beach

Rating: C

Who needs sand when you can sunbathe in the nude on big "tanning rocks" next to a river? At Big Rock Beach, near Willow Creek, both clad and unclad visitors like to sprawl on boulders that dot the riverbank, on the edge of a forest. "It's a comfortable place, and it's really warm there," says Vince.

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

 

How to find it:Read more »

Boogie Bar

Rating: C

Cherished by college students and other coastal and inland residents, Boogie Bar, on the Trinity River just west of the town of Willow Creek, has been used by skinny-dippers for decades. "The river is usually up to 25 feet wide," says visitor Alex Towery. The popular beach of sand mixed with rocks is also called the Bend and Sandy Bar. It's located between Arcata and Weaverville, just off Highway 299. On weekends, you'll usually encounter dozens of naked and suited sunbathers and swimmers. Other activities include reading and people-watching.Read more »

Salyer Hole

Rating: C

If you're going east from the coast, after Blue Lake check for the Salyer Roadside Rest Area, east of Maple Creek beach. A clothing-optional swimming hole used by locals and visitors is across the street from the rest stop.

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

 

How to find it:Read more »

Maple Creek

Rating: C

Imagine riding a tube down a river and coming across dozens of naked people in the water or on the banks. That's exactly what happens nearly every day in the summer at two swimming holes near Maple Creek and the Salyer Roadside Rest Area, both off Highway 299. The water can be icy, so there are usually far more nudies on the shore. Tip: bring old shoes to protect your feet from river rocks, in case you decide to take a dip.

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

 

How to find it:Read more »

Mad River

Rating: C

Don't get mad, get nude -- right here at this old-fashioned skinny dipping hole on the Mad River, one of a string of naked swim sites on Highway 299 east of Highway 101. Look for this traditional plunge location off Fish Hatchery Road (see below), east of Blue Lake. 

Tip: for the best weather, visit in midsummer through early fall.

 

Legal status:

Unknown.

 

How to find it:Read more »

Agate Beach

Rating: C

You've probably heard of nude rockers, but what about nude rock hounds? The south end of Agate Beach at Patrick's Point State Park, north of Trinidad, attracts small numbers of naked rock hunters, along with clad visitors, who scour the shoreline for beach agates. Due to intermittent summer fog, spring and fall are the best times to search for the colorful gems. The hills behind the beach are usually covered in purple lupine flowers in the spring. Read more »

North College Cove

Rating: B

On the warmest summer days, several dozen people go nude or topless at this beautiful cove, which is mainly favored by suited sunbathers and swimmers. The beach is a little larger and has a better trail than its neighbor, College Cove South. Jogging, volleyball, and frisbee are other common pursuits here.

 

Legal status:

State property.

 

How to find it:Read more »

South College Cove

Recommended!

Improved directions!

Rating: A

Mid summer through fall is the best time to go skinny-dipping at the two adjoining beaches in Trinidad known as College Cove. "It's definitely a fun place," says Jessica, a former student at nearby Humboldt State College. "Agrees reader Jack: "It has gorgeous clear water and great wind protection." Many clothed visitors also use the beach.

 

Legal status:

State property. Years ago, deputies raided the beach and handed out anti-nudity citations.Read more »

Hidden Beach

Improved directions!

Rating: C

A series of small coves in Trinidad have been emerging as a clothing-optional enclave for several years. Known collectively as Hidden Beach, they're located between Trinidad Head and Patrick's Point and College Cove. "The few people who show up go nude there," says veteran user Alex, of San Rafael. "I've gone there many times, sometimes with friends, and have run into other people only once or twice." Tip: to find sand on the beach, visit in low tide.


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Baker's Beach

Recommended! 

Improved directions!

Rating: ARead more »

Garberville Nude Beach

Rating: C

Garberville's skinny-dipping hole, visited by the few locals who know about it, is located near the first highway exit into town. The quiet riverbank site, along the south branch of the Eel River, isn't visible from the highway, but there are houses nearby so please use this area with caution.

 

Legal status:

Unknown, may be public property.


How to find it:Read more »