Ruby Beach: Olympic Park’s coastal gem

Ruby Beach is a real coastal gem on the Olympic Peninsula. No matter the weather, Ruby Beach is a must when visiting Olympic National Park.  

Ruby Beach is one of the most breathtaking coastal places to visit in Washington. It is known for its dramatic sea stacks, rugged shoreline, and abundant tide pools. The beach gets its name from the reddish-colored sand found in certain areas, which only adds to its distinctive charm. 

The most beautiful parts are the numerous driftwood formations, striking rocks that emerge from the ocean, and the constantly changing tides. It’s so calming to just sit there and watch the birds and the ocean. 

Best Things to do at Ruby Beach 

There is a short hike you can do on the beach. A hike is maybe too optimistic, as it is a quarter-mile walk down the beach. Children will have fun climbing onto the driftwood and rocks, and maybe play in the little tide pools. 

Although it is allowed to swim at Ruby Beach, it isn’t recommended unless you are a strong swimmer. The tides can be aggressive, and the water is ice-cold all year round. But you can go kayaking if you want. 

Don’t forget to also visit Rialto Beach! 

Planning your visit to Ruby Beach 

How to get to Ruby Beach 

Ruby Beach is about a half-hour drive from Forks (yes, the Twilight village), about 3,5 hours from Seattle, and 4 hours from Portland. So, the best way to explore Ruby Beach is to fly to Seattle-Tacoma Airport or Portland International Airport and rent a car.  

Ruby Beach is located along Highway 101. There is a parking area with toilets, but this can fill out pretty quickly, especially in summer. I would recommend coming here early in the day or towards sunset.  

There is a viewing area overlooking the beach and the ocean that is accessible for wheelchair users. 

The best time to visit Ruby Beach 

At Olympic National Park, the weather ranges from mild summers to wet winters. The best time to visit Ruby Beach is during the summer months, July through September. The warm weather makes Ruby Beach the perfect place to cool down. The downside? Wildfires and a lot of people. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, then October to April is ideal. The weather in this period is colder and wetter, but prices in the area are also cheaper.  

Although the park is open all year round, the winter months (December to February) are less ideal to visit due to snow and heavy rainfall.  

But no matter the season, Ruby Beach will always be a stunning place to visit. 

Weather and what to pack 

The weather can be very unpredictable, so you’d better watch the weather forecast before heading out. Some things that are handy for a day trip: 

• Sunscreen: You should always wear sunscreen, especially during the summer months   

• Hiking boots: sturdy boots are recommended 

• Refillable water bottle: Bring plenty of water when exploring the area 

• Sunglasses: especially during the summer months 

• Snacks: Pack some snacks or a picnic when visiting the beach for a day 

• Raincoat: There is always a chance of rain, so a good raincoat is important 

Where to stay near Ruby Beach 

Ruby Beach is located about a 30-minute drive from Forks. There are several hotels there; we stayed at the Pacific Inn Motel. A cute motel with very clean and spacious rooms. There are also some restaurants in town, a gas station, and a supermarket. Or you can also book a hotel in Port Angeles. If you want to compare accommodation options near Ruby Beach, check out all the available places to stay with cozycozy. 

What to know about rules & regulations 

Like always, take all your trash back with you. As this is part of a national park, there are a few additional rules: 

• Drones are not allowed 

• Do not take anything from the beach (rocks, driftwood, …) 

Final thoughts

Ruby Beach is one of the most breathtaking spots along the Washington coast: a perfect mix of dramatic sea stacks, driftwood-covered shores, and wild Pacific beauty. Whether you stop here as part of a road trip or dedicate a full afternoon to exploring, Ruby Beach is a must-visit on any Olympic National Park itinerary.

👉 Looking to discover more of the Pacific Northwest?

• Explore our full Olympic National Park itinerary for hikes, viewpoints, and other coastal gems.

• Film fan? Don’t miss our guide to The Goonies film locations along the Oregon coast.

• Heading inland? Discover epic scenery in our guides to Mount Rainier and Mount Hood

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