Heather Beach

Heather Beach is a public beach on the banks of the Fern River a few kilometers upstream of town. It is situated on public land, and butts up against the Preserve.

While the whole length of the beach is designated clothing optional, it has settled into three general sections over the years. First is the section where families tend to visit, where the beach is widest and a shallow creek joins the river. Roughly half of the beachgoers here go nude, and the atmosphere is convivial, with a beach volleyball court and grassy picnic area. The Naturist Club hosts regular events under the pavilion.

Second is the section where solo adults and couples tend to visit. Most everyone goes nude here. This is where Tati goes for her daily swim, and where Lena & Carlos nap and read together in the sun. The beach is wide and dotted with willows that provide shady, private nooks. The atmosphere is quiet, and beachgoers tend to keep to themselves.

Third, nestled against the wild edge of the Preserve, is the section where young people tend to congregate. Mostly, this section is prized for the tall trees that come right down to the water, which provide comfortable shade and perfect hammock spots surrounding a small sunny patch of sand at the shore. Locals call it the Glade. This is where Nora meets her friends in the summer.

The river itself is wide and slow-moving, with clear, cool water most of the year (outside of the the icy, murky torrent of snowmelt in the spring). Across from Heather Beach, vineyards and orchards dot the gentle slope.