Fitness: Get Buff (the Other Buff)

Soak, Scrub, and Sauna Options for Clothing-Averse Portlanders

Here's where to get naked, even in the darkest of winter.

By Margaret Seiler December 28, 2017 Published in the January 2018 issue of Portland Monthly

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Common Ground Wellness Center

There comes a time when you need to peel off those sweaty workout clothes or woolly winter layers and just be, skin to air. If you don’t have time to venture to a mountain hot spring and aren’t the target market for a gay bathhouse, Portland is still full of places to lounge around with your fellow temporary nudists, even in the darkest of winter.

Common Ground Wellness Center

In the courtyard of this leafy bunker off of NE Alberta, a jetted hot tub hosts aging hippies, the very tattooed of all ages, and the occasional toddler. (Children are allowed before 8 p.m.) A few wear swimsuits, but most are in the buff. Certain hours are set aside for men, women, or trans/genderqueer; check the schedule online, and make reservations at least an hour ahead. Bring your own towels (including a small one to sit on in the cedar sauna). $17 for one hour, with member and early-bird discounts available. 5010 NE 33rd Ave

Everett House Healing Center

A clothing-optional, BYO-towel spot (towels and sarongs are also available to rent), Everett House boasts float tanks and an attached chiropractic office along with its steam room, dry sauna, and outdoor saltwater hot tub and cold plunge pool. Four hours a week are designated for women only. $18 for one hour. 2927 NE Everett St

Jade Sauna

This Beaverton Korean spa, in a space reminiscent of a suburban ranch house, leads customers through a series of heated rooms, culminating in an optional exfoliating scrub that leaves skin feeling the legendary baby-smooth. Robes are available, but the warm, women-only space is best enjoyed au naturel. $25 for sauna only, $70 with a 30-minute scrub. 4210 SW 110th Ave, Beaverton

Löyly

This Finnish-inspired retreat offers single-sex days for the naked bunch and requires swimsuits during coed hours. The Southeast Löyly has dry and steam saunas, and a cold shower for cooling off in between sweats. The larger Northeast spot has two saunas labeled “silent” and “social,” plus a misting station next to its cold shower. $26 for two hours, add-ons extra. 2713 SE 21st Ave, 3525 NE MLK Jr. Blvd

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