Axios Portland

July 24, 2025
đ¤ It's Thursday. And yes, you read that right: We're dedicating today's edition entirely to all things nude â without being too NSFW.
Today's weather: Sunny and clear. High around 86, low near 57.
đ Happy birthday to our Axios Portland member Ryan Leverenz!
đĒŠ Sounds like: "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" by Ida Maria
Today's newsletter is 844 words â a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: đ˛ Ridin' in the buff
One of Portland's largest cultural events â where hordes of bikers in the buff ride together to protest society's oil dependency â is back this weekend after a one-year hiatus.
Why it matters: The original Portland World Naked Bike Ride skipped its 20th anniversary last year because of a leadership shake-up and lack of volunteers.
Catch up quick: While the the event is quintessentially Portland, drawing thousands of participants, we're not the only city that hosts it.
- Since 2004, cities across the globe have participated as a way to promote cycling as a mode of transportation, as well as body positivity and community.
Driving the news: The annual Portland World Naked Bike Ride kicks off at Grant Park at 8:30pm Saturday. The dress code is "as bare as you dare."
- The route, as in past years, remains top-secret in an effort to prevent pedestrians lining up along streets to watch the bare-skinned crowds cruise by.
- The end of the route (which usually takes a couple of hours) is typically near public transit and often breaks out into an outdoor dance party.
- After-party details will be released the day of the ride on Instagram.
Yes, but: You don't have to be nude, or ride a bike, to join in on the fun. Many riders wear costumes, adorn their skin with body paint and decorate their bikes.
- All forms of human-powered transportation are welcome.
State of play: If you decide to ride nude, consider bringing socks, a beanie or a zip-up hoodie for warmth.
- In case you get hungry or thirsty during the miles-long ride (prior rides have pushed the 11-mile mark), a handy fanny pack or cross-body bag is great for holding snacks and beverages.
The intrigue: It won't be the only nude biking event this year. A dueling event, dubbed World Naked Bike Ride Portland, was started last year by former volunteers of the original bike ride.
- They'll host their second annual event â with a greater focus on protest â on Aug. 9, once again targeting local fuel storage company Zenith Energy, which has long come under fire from environmental advocates.
2. đĩ Where to get naked, legally
Most of Oregon has pretty lenient public nudity laws, but some of the state's biggest and most liberal cities are also the most restrictive when it comes to birthday suit attire.
Why it matters: If you're looking to bare it all, make sure you're doing it in a way that won't end up with a naked conversation with a cop.
State of play: As far as state law goes, you're pretty much free to let it all hang out as you please, with some important exceptions.
- It is considered public indecency to have sex in public.
- That goes for masturbation, too.
- And if you expose yourself in front of someone "with the intent of arousing the sexual desire of the person or another person" you've just committed a Class A misdemeanor.
Yes, but: Some cities have their own more restrictive laws.
3. đ Nude beaches, ranked by vibe
The Portland metro area is home to several scenic river spots for free-spirited swimmers.
Why it matters: No tan lines!
Here's what to expect when you drop trou at one of the region's nude beaches.
Located near the northern tip of Sauvie Island, this mile-long beach has allowed naked swimmers on its shores since the early '70s.
The vibe: Due to its proximity to Portland (only a 40-minute drive from downtown), expect more daytime party vibes, city dwellers and â if you're lucky â a visit from the very real ice cream boat.
Getting to this serene nude beach, which is separated from the other recreation areas in the Gorge, requires a bit of hiking â keep that in mind before removing your skivvies.
The vibe: It's a popular LGBTQ+ hang out, known for occasional casual cruising.
- Yes, but: There's plenty of shoreline for everyone to spread out, no matter what you came for.
4. 𤤠Dinner and a show

Another thing Portland has on Seattle: You can get a lap dance with a side of fries.
The big picture: Food may not be the main attraction at the city's many strip clubs, but some menus deserve their time in the spotlight.
- Here's a few that'll have you splitting focus between what's on your plate and who's on stage.
Mary's Club, Portland's first topless bar, features classic Tex-Mex offerings at reasonable prices â like poblano mac-and-cheese, tater tot nachos and $3 street tacos.
Silverado's is a nightclub with only male dancers, so of course the menu boasts one of the "most satisfying" wieners in town.
Casa Diablo is completely vegan. Tofu pad thai, chili "cheez" bowls and deep-fried Oreos will have you busting out your seams. Just keep your meat in your pants.
đĒ´ Meira is wondering if Portland has a big community of naked gardeners like Seattle does.
đ´đŧââī¸ Kale wonders if the naked bike riders have to take anti-chafing measures.
This newsletter was edited by Rachel La Corte.
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