The Best Nude beaches in Washington State

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Washington State is a beautiful and diverse place with something to offer everyone. From the snow-covered mountains in the winter to the temperate rain forests in the coastal areas, Washington is an outdoor paradise.

And if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you’ll be pleased to know that several nude beaches in Washington can be found throughout the state. Whether you’re an experienced nudist or this is your first time trying it out, here are some of the best nude beaches in Washington that you should check out.

Use this map to book your stay in the Seattle area, where most of these beaches are located!

Howell Park Clothing Optional Beach

Location: Seattle

Howell Park nude beach in Washington State
Photo courtesy city of Seattle

Howell Park is a secluded park along Lake Washington in Seattle’s Madrona area. The park is hidden away in a residential area, roughly the size of a regular suburban house lot, with only 60 or so feet of lakefront where there is a grassy beach area.

The site has become a haven for those who wish to experience the beach au naturel. It tends to have fewer visitors than other beaches in the area, which makes it an ideal spot for sunbathing without worrying about unwanted attention. You’ll find plenty of grass for your blanket and even some shade under the trees on hot days.

Just make sure you head there before that sea breeze picks up, making y0u wish for your pants and coat.

Denny-Blaine Park

Location: Seattle

People hanging out at Denny Blaine park in Seattle
Photo courtesy city of Seattle

Located along Lake Washington, Denny-Blaine Park is a popular spot for nude recreation in the area, and is especially a haven for the queer crowd. It’s a quiet oasis with breathtaking views of Lake Washington, downtown Seattle and the snow-capped Cascades.

This isn’t technically a nude beach, and has come under fire from some neighbors who are sick of seeing people sunbathing in the buff. Since nudity is not illegal (just indecent exposure is illegal!) in Washington State, there’s nothing law enforcement can do to prevent people from stripping at this beach.

This park is one of the best nude beaches in Washington. It offers a grassy knoll where you can put blankets down and stretch out. There’s a small sandy strip of beach perfect for wading, and some people like bringing paddleboards or floaties out into the water.

For those looking for a bit more seclusion, they can hit up Howell Beach nearby. Just remember to be respectful of other visitors while you’re there and always practice appropriate nudity etiquette.

Whether you’re looking to simply relax and take in the sights or count all 110 species of trees on its grounds (plus another 200 varieties), Denny-Blaine Park is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to get away from the noise and enjoy some peace and serenity.

NUDE BEACH MUST HAVES

If you’re heading to a nude beach, here are some items you’ll want to have!

  1. A Turkish towel. These quick-drying, super comfortable and absorbent towels are my very favorite
  2. A sun hat. Even though I love feeling sun on my skin, I also love keeping it out of my eyes. A sun hat for us is a MUST.
  3. Mineral sunscreen. As nudists, we have to make sure we do NOT damage our skin if we want to do this for the long haul. Mineral sunscreen is better for your body and the environment.
  4. Face sunscreen for sensitive skin. I just LOVE this face sunscreen, which is light and easy to apply
  5. Beach chairs. Beach chairs that are easy to pack and carry are definitely essential for nudists!
  6. Soft-sided cooler. If you want to bring snacks and lunch to the beach, we recommended a soft-sided cooler
  7. Portable beach umbrella. Beach umbrellas are super popular for nudists. They keep you out of the hottest rays of the day
  8. Sarong. If for some reason you need to cover up quickly, a sarong will do the trick
  9. Insulated water bottle. You can bring cold drinks like iced tea to the beach with an insulated water bottle


Magnuson Park

Location: Seattle

a grassy park and a lake in the background
Magnusun Park, photo courtesy Seattle

Magnuson Park nude beach is located on the north shore of Lake Washington within the city limits of Seattle. This isn’t a designated nude beach, but some naturists like to go north of the main swimming beach, through blackberry brambles, to a small grassy area on the shore of the beach. Some reports say you might only encounter a few nude sunbathers, if any at all.

Magnuson Park began as a clothing-optional beach back in the 1970s and 1980s, but its use has declined since then as there are so many other amazing options in the area.

My Nude Beach Must-Have Items List!

Even though you do take everything off at a nude beach, you’ll definitely want to have a few “beach items” to make your stay more comfortable. Here is what I always bring to a nude beach.

  • A Turkish towel. These quick-drying, super comfortable and absorbent towels are my very favorite
  • A sun hat. Even though I love feeling sun on my skin, I also love keeping it out of my eyes. A sun hat for us is a MUST.
  • Mineral sunscreen. As nudists, we have to make sure we do NOT damage our skin if we want to do this for the long haul. Mineral sunscreen is better for your body and the environment.
  • Face sunscreen for sensitive skin. I just LOVE this face sunscreen, which is light and easy to apply
  • Beach chairs. Beach chairs that are easy to pack and carry are definitely essential for nudists!
  • Soft-sided cooler. If you want to bring snacks and lunch to the beach, we recommended a soft-sided cooler
  • Portable beach umbrella. Beach umbrellas are super popular for nudists. They keep you out of the hottest rays of the day
  • Sarong. If for some reason you need to cover up quickly, a sarong will do the trick
  • Insulated water bottle. You can bring cold drinks like iced tea to the beach with an insulated water bottle

Point Wells

Location: Edmonds
This is one of the most popular nude beaches in Washington and is a great spot for those looking to get some sun. Point Wells is a small and narrow length of Puget Sound beach near Edmonds, about 17 miles north of downtown Seattle.

In the 1990s, a Seattle-based naturist group attempted to improve Point Wells as a gathering spot for nudists of all stripes, but their efforts failed due to access difficulties.

Currently, this clothing-optional area in Washington State is mostly frequented by gay men.

This is a really hard beach to get to, though. You must walk along a railroad right away and cross the tracks, both of which are illegal.

With its serene and natural setting, Point Wells is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the buff. And what’s best, there are also some clothing-optional trails nearby if you want a more traditional hike. Here, the water is usually shallow and calm, providing the perfect spot to take a dip or sunbathe without worries.

This nude beach in Washington State is different from some of the others on our list in that it’s actually long enough for a waterfront stroll. On a clear day, you just might be lucky enough to see the beautiful Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Wannapum Reservoir/Vantage Nude Beach

Location: Halfway between Seattle and Spokane

There’s a small strip of beach along the Wannapum reservoir, informally known as Vantage Nude Beach. This dammed area of the Columbia River is a picturesque spot and close to the famous Gorge amphitheater.

Be aware that this location can get VERY hot in the summer months, often hovering in the 90s and teasing 100.

According to Nude Compass, you will need a Washington State Discover Pass to park in this area, or you might need a ticket. The nude area is east of the main boat launch and parking areas, where you’ll also find porta potties.

As this is a dry part of the state, beware of rattlesnakes!

Is this List of Nude Beaches in Washington State not Long Enough?

In our research, we found that Washington State doesn’t really have all that many nude beaches. Most of them are small beaches on the shores of Lake Washington.

If you want to find other nudist destinations in the state, we’d recommend checking out various hot springs resorts like Depoe Bay on Orcas Island, which is stunning.

The state also has some nudist resorts such as the Lake Bronson Club Family Nudist Park, Arcadia Romantic Getaway and Kaniksu Ranch.

You can also just hop down to the Portland area and visit Sauvie Island beach or Rooster Rock in the Columbia River Gorge.

Etiquette to Remember When Visiting a Nudist Beach

Whether you’re a seasoned nudist or looking to try a nude beach for the first time, you have to mind your manners when being naked in public. Here are a few reminders that we like to emart on people:

  • Don’t gawk or stare. Subtle glances are okay as this is human nature to look at other people, just don’t make anyone uncomfortable
  • Don’t take pictures. Don’t take any photos when other people are nearby or in the background. This makes everyone uncomfortable
  • Clean up after yourself. This goes without being said, but please pick up ALL of your trash and belongings before leaving a beach

We Hope You have Fun at these Beaches!

The weather in Washington State is wonderful during the summer months, the perfect time to drop your duds and give one of these beaches to try.

Or, you can travel down the coast and try some of our favorite nude beaches in California.

Remember to bring a big blanket to lie on, plenty of cold drinks and snacks, a good book and a frisbee. The sun on your bare skin never felt so good!

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