GARBERVILLE NUDE BEACH

One of Garberville's least-known attractions is an oasis of solitude: a nice little skinny-dipping hole on the south fork of the Eel River, near the first highway exit into town. The view of the riverbank site from the highway is blocked by a slope, but there are also houses nearby, so use this site with discretion.

Legal status: May be public property; exact status unknown.

How to find it: From Mendocino, go north on Highway 1 to Garberville, passing Rockport and Leggett (where 1 merges with Highway 101), or take 101 north all the way to Garberville. The road becomes a two-lane highway bordered by redwoods. Take the first Garberville exit. Turn left at the "To San Francisco" sign, the first major intersection in the city. Instead of following the highway on-ramp, go straight. After the street goes downhill, turn right onto the first paved road. Park near the big pile of gravel (you may see cars pulled over – usually a good sign). An easy path, usually free of poison oak, will take you down to the south fork of the river.

The beach: Your basic skinny-dipping hole, protected from the road by a hill. Bring thongs or old sneakers to wear in the river.

The crowd: Possibly just you. Even on hot days, you may find only a few nude bathers, so it's pretty quiet here.

Problems: Unknown legal status; cold water; homes nearby; river rocks.

Rating: C.

BAKER'S BEACH

Recommended!

Named after the Baker family, who are believed to own the property, the fabulous nude beach known as Baker's is located roughly 12 miles north of Arcata. Common pastimes at the cove, a quarter-moon-shaped shore ringed by plants and almost cut off from view, include sunbathing, looking for agates, and exploring tide pools. "It's so quiet there," says Vince, of Arcata. "Another plus is that the trail is easy. And it's never crowded."

Legal status: Apparently owned by the Baker family. Nude use is tolerated.

How to find it: From Arcata, drive 12 miles north on Highway 101. Take the Westhaven exit to Scenic Drive, then follow Scenic north to a large, vine-covered residence sign and a rusted Private Property marker on the right (look for pulled-over cars). The quarter-mile-long beach path begins 20 yards beyond two mailboxes near the signs.

The beach: Instead of sand, the area features sesame seed–<\d>size pebbles.

The crowd: Carl Gelden-Meyers, a local resident, estimates that even on busy days there might be just 40 people. "Mostly mellow college students," says Gelden-Meyers, plus a smattering of singles and families, visit the site, which attracts both nude and suited users.

Problems: Car burglaries and gawkers reported in the past.

Rating: A.

HIDDEN BEACH

Between Trinidad Head and Patrick's Point and College Cove, small numbers of nudists — you may be the only one there — are using a series of pocket coves for suitless sunbathing at low tide. At high tide most of the sand is covered with water. Says frequent visitor Alex Towery, of San Rafael, "I've been there many times, sometimes with friends, and run into other people only once or twice. They always go nude too."

Legal status: Private property.

How to find it: From Eureka, go north on Highway 101 and take the Trinidad turnoff. At the first intersection, instead of turning right onto Stage Coach Road, which is the way to College Cove, keep going straight. Says Alex, "About a block after you pass a supermarket on your left, you'll see some horse stables. Just past the horses turn right and stay on the road for about 1.5 miles until it comes to a big, 90-degree bend and turn. Follow the bend and just after it look for a little turnout with a No Parking sign on the right side of the road. It only holds one or two cars. Park there and walk to the left, where you'll see a fence with a hole. Walk through it and follow the path about a half mile to three-quarters of a mile, through redwoods, to the shore. You'll get some beautiful views of the ocean along the way."

The beach: Visitors pick from six or seven little sandy beaches next to inlets. Each of the beaches is a few hundred yards long. The beach trail is usually free of poison oak.

The crowd: Most likely, you'll have this place all to yourself.

Problems: Private property; not much parking; beach washes away in high tide.

Rating: C.

SOUTH COLLEGE COVE

Recommended!

The start of autumn and summer are the best times to try College Cove, which has two sections that form one of the Humboldt coast's best beaches. In fact, the real skinny-dipping season here doesn't usually start until July or August. "It has gorgeous clear water and great wind protection," says reader Jack. "It's definitely a fun place," agrees Jessica, a student at nearby Humboldt State University. Nonnudies also frolic at this beach, which – nudists should keep in mind – was raided by deputies years ago.

Legal status: State property.

How to find it: From Eureka, go north on Highway 101 and take the Trinidad turnoff. At the first intersection turn right (the left branch goes to Trinidad) onto Stage Coach Road and follow it a quarter mile to a dirt parking lot on the left. It's three-quarters of a mile north of Trinidad State Beach. If you pass Abalone Beach or Sea Cliff Camp, you've gone too far. To reach College Cove South, which gets more nude use than its northern neighbor, follow the trail at the southern end of the parking lot.

The beach: Half-moon-shaped cove with about a quarter mile of sand.

The crowd: Mostly young singles, many of them students. Approximately half the visitors (there are usually about 50) go au naturel.

Problems: Icy water; eroding trail; gawkers; occasional fog; past history of law enforcement.

Rating: A.

NORTH COLLEGE COVE

More often than not, up to 75 percent of the folks who show up on the sand at North College Cove wear swimsuits. But that may leave as many as 25 people working on removing every millimeter of their tan lines by not wearing a stitch of clothing. Other frequent pursuits here are volleyball and jogging. The beautiful cove is a little bigger and has a better trail than College Cove South.

Legal status: State property.

How to find it: Go to South College Cove, but take the trail at the northern end of the parking area. The path has steps.

The beach: Bigger than South College Cove. At low tide you can walk from South College Cove along the sand around the big rock between the two coves. At high tide access is mostly cut off by a rocky promontory.

The crowd: More likely to be suited than nude.

Problems: Less nude use than at College Cove South.

Rating: B.

AGATE BEACH

New listing!

Are you ready for some awesome beachcombing? On warm weekdays, the south end of gently curving Agate Beach, at Patrick's Point State Park, has been attracting small numbers of nude sunbathers and rock hounds for years to its ruggedly beautiful shoreline north of Trinidad. Spring and fall are best bets for clear days. In fact, in spring, the hills behind the beach are usually covered in gorgeous lupine. But summer's also a great time to visit the beach to get away from inland heat and, in late afternoon before the fog creeps back in, work on an all-over tan. Or walk along the beach in search of tide pools. For even more fun, take the Rim Trail to look for views of harbor seals, seal lions, and even gray whales. Expect to pay a day use and/or overnight camping fee. The site's campground has 124 sites, showers, and a picnic table, plus a cabin that sleeps four.

Legal status: Part of Patrick's Point State Park.

How to find it: Take Highway 101 north for about 25 miles, north of Eureka and five miles north of the Trinidad exit to Patrick's Point State Park, which is also 56 miles south of Crescent City. From Agate Campground, look for the Agate Beach trailhead and take the short, steep path to the beach, passing spots that offer great views of Agate Beach and Humboldt Lagoons State Park far below.

The beach: What's the main activity at this sprawling, nine-mile long beach? Looking for agates, of course! Check for black jade and agates on the sand that have been polished by waves. Winter storms also usually deposit plenty of driftwood on the shore.

The crowd: On warm weekdays "you might find three or four people going nude here," reports Alex. Except for the south end of the beach, Agate is a public beach populated by swimsuit-clad visitors. On weekends nudism usually disappears.

Problems: Wind and fog during the summer; nude use occurs only on weekdays; agates easiest to find in winter; use fee; fierce riptides and cold, hazardous water limits swimming.

Rating: C.

VAN DUZEN RIVER

Are you tired of fog and lame temperatures on the Humboldt coast? Then we've got good news: no fewer than 10 warm skinny-dipping holes await you just a few miles inland. Many of them are little swim sites tucked away from view, and they tend to be known mostly by locals. Finding them usually isn't the tough part; it’s the rushing, sometimes hazardous water. Speaking of problems, don't forget to bring plenty of suntan lotion. Despite what their marketing material says, sunscreens aren't waterproof, so keep reapplying them. When it's in the 60s or 70s near the ocean, expect it to be in the 80s in the town of Blue Lake, to the east, and up to 100 degrees in Willow Creek, farther inland. Coming from the coast, the first place to snare a nice nude tan is this site overlooking the Van Duzen River. On a weekday you may be the only person here.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Take Highway 101 north to Highway 36. From Bridgeville drive downstream to Goat Rock, then look for the nude beach on a ribbon of sand along the river.

The beach: Bring water shoes, old sneakers, or thongs to wear in the river to protect your feet from rocks.

The crowd: Even on weekends fewer than 15 people usually show up.

Problems: Rocks in the river; needs better directions.

Rating: C.

MAD RIVER

You'll be glad to get Mad if you visit one of the old-fashioned skinny-dipping holes along the Mad River. Going east from Highway 101, Highway 299 is lined with one naked swimming hole after another. From midsummer through early fall, it usually seems like Shangri-la here, with warm temperatures that are perfect for wearing your birthday suit in some refreshingly cool river water.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: To find one of the most popular inland sun spots, take Highway 101 north through Arcata. Two miles past Arcata go east on Highway 299 to the little town of Blue Lake. After crossing the Mad River, about seven miles from Arcata, take Fish Hatchery Road to the parking lot of the hatchery. Park and cross the rocks between the lot and the riverbank. The main nude area is just above the hatchery, but other skinny-dippers try points both upstream and downstream. For the best site, wade across the river east of the hatchery, then walk along the north bank. Look for other users spread out to the east. You can also get there via West End Road.

The beach: The water's warmer than at Baker's or College Cove. "It's really pretty," reports Alex Towery. "If you like to fish, when the water's high and the steelhead are running, you can stand there fishing while the sun is beaming down on you."

The crowd: One visitor counted about 25 suitless sunbathers, but others have visited when there have been no nude users.

Problems: Rocks.

Rating: C.

MAPLE CREEK

Topless tanners in the water and on the shoreline and tube riders streaming down the river usually tolerate each other at a dynamic duo of sun-sational swimming holes close to the village of Maple Creek and the Salyer Roadside Rest Area, both off Highway 299. To guard against hidden rocks, wear sandals or old shoes in the water. The water is often icy, so sunbathing is the most popular activity.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Follow Mad River directions to the town of Blue Lake (see above). Access to Maple Creek, which consists of a few buildings, is via a small road in town. "It's a little ways inland from Blue Lake," reader Douglas Beck says. The same drive can also be made from Kneeland, which can be reached from Arcata. From Highway 101, head up Fickle Hill Road to the Maple Creek exit. Take the exit to where you see cars pulled off, then park and walk upstream past a clothed beach to the nude swimming hole.

The beach: Depending on the season, the mixed sand and rock beach is next to either a nice, cold stream or a small river.

The crowd: You and a few others may be the only ones here.

Problems: Unknown legal status; better directions needed.

Rating: C.

SALYER HOLE

For even more naked river dipping, if you're driving inland from the coast, once you pass Blue Lake look for the Salyer Roadside Rest Area, east of Maple Creek beach. A skinny-dipping hole enjoyed by local residents and travelers is located in the riverbank just east of the rest stop on the opposite side of the road.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Follow the directions to Maple Creek (above). "Another nude beach is just east of the entrance to the Salyer Roadside Rest Area," says reader Donald. It's situated some 100 yards east of the rest spot on the opposite side of the road. "At that point," Donald suggests, "you should turn down the gravel road to the parking area. A rocky, somewhat steep, but good trail will bring you down to the river."

The beach: A riverbank beach of sand strewn with rocks.

The crowd: Often deserted; you may see a few visitors.

Problems: Unknown legal status; better directions needed; gravel access road.

Rating: C.

BOOGIE BAR

Improved directions!

Are you ready to boogie? Local college students and other coastal residents love to gather on weekends at Boogie Bar. "The river is usually up to 25 feet wide," says Alex Towery. Look for this great swimming hole on the Trinity River just west of the town of Willow Creek. The strip of sand, which is mixed with rocks, has as many names as people, including the Bend, Sandy Bar, and, of course, Boogie Bar. It's located just off Highway 299, between Arcata and Weaverville. On weekends expect to find a few dozen visitors here soaking up the sun, reading, people watching, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Take Highway 101 north to Eureka and Arcata. Pick up Highway 299 two miles north of Arcata and go east for about 25 minutes. Three miles west of Willow Creek, cross the Trinity River Bridge and take an immediate right onto South Fork Road. About three miles down the road you'll see a big meadow and a junkyard, the last two landmarks before the beach path. The best landmark to find the trailhead: several miles beyond the junkyard "look for cars pulled over," says Towery. To avoid poison oak that sometimes overhangs it, don't park too close to the edge of the car area.

The beach: A cozy cove along the south fork of the Trinity River.

The crowd: On the warmest days perhaps two dozen visitors.

Problems: Unknown legal status; poison oak near parking area; directions could be improved.

Rating: C.

BIG ROCK BEACH

Improved directions!

Things are really rocking at Big Rock. It's virtually sandless along this stretch of the river, but that hasn't stopped sojourners from sunning suitless, topless, and clad on the shimmering smooth stones that surround the area. Says Vince, who was introduced to it by friends, "It's a comfortable place, and it's really warm there." Bring water shoes or old sneakers to protect your feet from hidden rocks in the river – and for climbing onto the boulders.

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: From the coast, follow Highway 299 east some 30 minutes to the town of Willow Creek and turn left (or north) two turnoffs before the town's Chevron gas station. Follow the road several miles past a gravel quarry. After forest growth begins to increase, look for cars pulled over in a large turnout next to a rocky outcropping over the river. Park and take the steep path near the turnout and the Forest Service sign down to the water.

The beach: Rocky and remote, the boulders here are ideal for naked baking in the summer and early fall sun.

The crowd: It may be just you and your group. The beach gets both nude and nonnude use.

Problems: Not much sand; unknown legal status; needs better directions.

Rating: C.

WILLOW CREEK BRIDGE

Improved directions!

On warm days, just outside the town of Willow Creek and east of Willow Creek Bridge, skinny-dippers and suit-wearing visitors often sprawl on the sand and rocks of a little river 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: From the coast, head east on Highway 299 to Willow Creek, about 30 minutes from Arcata. After crossing Willow Creek Bridge, check your odometer. Less than a mile east of the bridge, pull off the highway to your left onto a little dirt road that runs parallel to the highway. The road has small shrubby oaks on either side. After 100 meters or so it ends at the beach parking area. Park and take the trail down to the riverbank.

The beach: A mix of sand and rocks.

The crowd: Hardly anyone visits Willow Creek Bridge beach; those who do may be nude or suited.

Problems: Unknown legal status; needs better directions; high water this year.

Rating: C.

ELSEWHERE NEAR WILLOW CREEK

Improved directions!

A little west and east of the town of Willow Creek, more nude swimming holes dot the riverbank for several miles. What's the best way to find these clothing-optional jewels? Look for cars pulled over along Highway 299. "You just kind of drive along," advises former coastal resident Kie Relyea. "There are some places where you can get off the road. You look for a trail, and if it feels OK, you take it down to the water. We just keep going until we find a deserted spot or a place that has somebody you feel OK with who may also be naked. When you get to the beach, you just take off your clothes. The locals usually don't mind."

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Take Highway 101 north to Eureka and Arcata. Pick up Highway 299 two miles north of Arcata. Continue east, looking for access to the river before and after the town of Willow Creek, some 30 minutes from Arcata. Keep your eyes open for paths leading to the water, then follow them to sandy patches of riverbank next to enticing swimming holes.

The beach: Small swimming holes, usually with a few patches of sand next to the water's edge, with enough space for several people to hang out on towels or beach chairs.

The crowd: On the warmest days, usually just you and a few other visitors. Otherwise, be prepared for solitude — these swim holes are often deserted.

Problems: Unknown legal status; needs better directions; dense undergrowth (and possible poison oak) on some trails.

Rating: C.

TISH TANG

Improved directions!

There are drive-up restaurants, banks, and even wedding chapels, so it's probably not surprising that some people have figured out a way to enjoy nude beaches simply by driving right up to one. At Tish Tang visitors usually drive onto the Trinity River site's gravel shoreline, park their vehicle, get out, and start sunbathing and swimming. "It's so cool that you can take a truck and do this," comments Alex Towery, who usually enjoys his Tang at least once a summer. Beware of deep, fast water this year. Access to the nearly mile-long site is from a nearby campground. The beach isn't much to write home about. And it can be loud on weekends, when suited families, mixed with teens and partyers, sometimes bring their boom boxes. "Some people set up barbecues on the sand," says Towery. Some people have reportedly injured themselves using a rope swing that's about 100 feet off the ground, one of several rope swings at the beach. Seniors and New Agers have been coming to Tish Tang for years to try its waters, which some Hoopa Indians allege have the power to heal.

Legal status: Property of the Hoopa Indian Reservation, whose residents have objected to skinny-dippers in the past.

How to find it: Head to Willow Creek (see above), then drive 7.9 miles north on Highway 96 toward Hoopa. "Highway 96 winds through a fantastic river canyon, along some of the best blacktop in California," says Jerry White, of San Leandro. Driving time is approximately 30 minutes from Arcata to Willow Creek and then another 10 to 15 minutes to Tish Tang. The road follows the river in Six Rivers National Forest, just south of the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. Look for the Tish Tang campground and from there drive onto the beach, being careful to stay on the smoothest, most well-worn stones.

The beach: The best area is south around the bend. You can also canoe to Tish Tang. Water depth and speed depends on whether a dam along the Trinity is open, causing high levels, or closed.

The crowd: Canoeists, tube riders, families, and a few skinny-dippers. Towery has observed 5 to 20 people present, with an estimated 5 to 25 percent going nude.

Problems: Fast water (drownings have occurred); gravel shoreline; may be noisy on weekends; some objections to nudity.

Rating: C.

ELSEWHERE ON THE TRINITY RIVER

Past Willow Creek and the locations cited in Elsewhere near Willow Creek, even more nooks and crannies savored by skinny-dippers lace the riverbank like a seemingly endless ribbon. "The whole river is full of great spots," says Ian Colvert, a Humboldt State University student. "I just go with my girlfriend, and we get naked whenever we can."

Legal status: Unknown.

How to find it: Take Highway 101 north to Eureka and Arcata. Join Highway 299 two miles north of Arcata. Drive east approximately 30 minutes and check for access to the river several miles east of Willow Creek. If you see cars pulled over, it might indicate a spot worth exploring. Look for a path next to the cars, leading down to the river. Colvert's favorite site is on "a little squirrelly part of the river. It's a ways down [from the highway], about a quarter mile from where you park. Above the beach there's a little cliff that we jump off into the river." You may find the riverbank deserted. "Usually there aren't too many people there," says Colvert. "That's the way it is here, and that's the way it should be."

The beach: Usually pure riverbank, with or without sand.

The crowd: Probably just you.

Problems: Needs better directions; unknown legal status.

Rating: C.

Select Another Area: