Talk:Seattle history

From Naked Wiki

[edit] User contributions

History of Seattle area skinny-dipping?

I’ve been in Seattle for 51 years, but I have to admit my memory is not very good. Pre-1965, I’d say it was just individuals, friends, and couples at a wide scattering of locations, as at the edges of Golden Gardens, Carkeek, a few spots along or off Lake Washington Blvd, the north end of the Arboretum, east shore of Lk Sammamish (under the RR).

In the late 60s and early 70s, there was a far more rebellious mood and more group activity, including nudity. A lot centered on the U of W, with the main skinny-dipping area the NW corner of the Arboretum (to some extent a gay cruising area today). When the RH Thompson expressway construction was stopped, folks liked to dive off the unconnected ramps, but this all ended (mid 70s? I’m not sure).

I never knew about Pt Wells until 1999, but I suspect it was used much earlier. As to Magnuson, my memory is vague but I don’t think it was accessible until the late 1980s, when the Naval Air Station was closed. Skinny dipping was again individual or few people, and at various spots north from where we were on Sunday, north up to the NOAA buildings. Others may have clearer memories. Because of the lack of safe places around town (1970s-1990s) I preferred skinnydipping at lakes (e.g.,Lk Kachess) or going to Scenic and other hot springs.

Magnuson offers a pretty good and very convenient site,. But I would also encourage folks to check out the beach at Rattlesnake Lake. Two of us hiked up to Rattlesnake Ledge yesterday (clothed to the ledge as there were dozens of hikers – then naked up to Rattlesnake east summit and back. Then we checked out the beach area south from the trailhead, no one there, easily accessible, large flat area, beautiful scenery, swimming is OK, and it belongs to the city of Seattle. Dick M 8 Sept 2006