Collins Beach extends one mile along the Columbia River's Oregon shore on Sauvie Island, 10 miles northwest of downtown Portland at milepost 11 on Northwest Reeder Road. The beach sits within Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, a 12,000-acre refuge managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife protecting critical habitat for migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles along the Lower Columbia River. Lewis and Clark camped on Sauvie Island in November 1805 and again in March 1806, with William Clark noting the abundant waterfowl and wapato roots harvested by Multnomah tribe members. The island's name honors Laurent Sauve, a French-Canadian dairy farmer who managed the Hudson's Bay Company operations here in the 1830s. Collins Beach has served as Oregon's only officially designated clothing-optional beach since the 1970s, administered under Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations permitting nude recreation in the designated area beginning where Reeder Road transitions from pavement to gravel.
Swimming at Collins Beach proves dangerous due to the Columbia River's swift current exceeding three knots during high water, cold temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, sudden drop-offs where water depth plunges from three feet to nine feet within two steps, and complete absence of lifeguard services. The Columbia River claims multiple drowning victims annually despite appearing calm on the surface. Strong currents sweep swimmers downstream rapidly. Wading in shallow areas near shore provides safer water access for cooling off during summer heat. Sunbathing dominates beach activities, with visitors spreading blankets on sandy sections during warm months. The clothing-optional designation attracts naturists practicing nude recreation in accordance with state regulations prohibiting sexual activity and requiring respect for families with children. Beachcombing rewards walkers with driftwood, river stones, and occasional glass floats. Birdwatching proves exceptional year-round, with osprey, great blue herons, and cormorants fishing the river while bald eagles perch in cottonwoods lining the shore.
Access Collins Beach via Northwest Reeder Road on Sauvie Island, crossing the Sauvie Island Bridge from Highway 30 in north Portland and following Reeder Road north 11 miles to where pavement ends. Park along the gravel road shoulder near milepost 11, walking approximately one-quarter mile to reach the beach. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife parking permits are required, costing 10 dollars daily or 30 dollars annually, available at Island Cove Cafe and Market at 31421 Northwest Reeder Road or Cracker Barrel Grocery near the bridge. Starting July 4 through Labor Day, visitors need both the Wildlife Area parking permit and a free Sauvie Island Beaches Pass for weekend and holiday parking. No restrooms exist at Collins Beach, with portable toilets located at Walton Beach two miles south. Hours operate from 4am to 10pm daily with overnight camping prohibited. Cell phone service proves unreliable with most carriers. The nearest hospital, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, operates nine miles southeast at 2801 North Gantenbein Avenue in Portland.
Dining concentrates on Sauvie Island's southern end and north Portland, with Island Cove Cafe at 31421 Northwest Reeder Road serving breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream alongside camping supplies and beach gear. Cracker Barrel Grocery near the island's entrance stocks snacks, drinks, and basic provisions. Occidental Brewing Company at 6635 North Baltimore Avenue in Portland brews German-style lagers and serves bratwurst, pretzels with beer cheese, and schnitzel sandwiches in a taproom three miles from the island bridge. Plew's Brews at 8409 North Lombard Street pours craft beers and prepares burgers, fish tacos, and loaded nachos. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft at 3226 North Lombard Street cooks pad thai, green curry, and drunken noodles using traditional recipes. Prost Marketplace at 4237 North Mississippi Avenue serves German sausages, pork schnitzel, and spaetzle alongside imported German beers in an outdoor biergarten. Collins Beach's unique status as Oregon's official clothing-optional beach combined with proximity to Portland creates a distinctive urban river beach experience where naturist recreation and wildlife viewing coexist along the Columbia River's southern shore.
