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 until 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 until 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 until 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
Weather can be very unpredictable, so you 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.
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 more than just a stop along the Washington coast—it’s a beautiful destination that captures the wild, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With its dramatic sea stacks and tide pools teeming with marine life, it’s no surprise that this beach is one of the most iconic spots in Olympic National Park. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind, a scenic location for photography, or a chill coastal hike, Ruby Beach offers something for every traveler. If you’re planning a trip to Olympic National Park, make sure to add this gem to your itinerary—you won’t regret it! Have you visited Ruby Beach before? Drop a comment below and share your experience!
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