Highlight • Beach
Ruby Beach
Hiking
5.0
(13)
Road cycling
5.0
(2)
Running
5.0
(1)
Ruby Beach is a celebrated natural landmark nestled within the coastal section of Olympic National Park in Washington state. Located on the rugged Olympic Peninsula in Jefferson County, approximately 27 miles south of Forks, this iconic beach is renowned for its distinctive geological features and wild beauty. Situated at an elevation of about 29 meters, it offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and is easily accessible from Highway 101. Visible about four miles southwest off the coast is Destruction Island, with its historic lighthouse.
Visitors consistently rave about the raw, unforgettable beauty of Ruby Beach, often calling it one of the most stunning beaches in Washington. The dramatic sea stacks, sculpted by centuries of erosion, punctuate the shoreline, creating striking photographic opportunities and a truly unique landscape. Many are captivated by the beach's namesake reddish-tinted sand, which gets its color from ruby-like crystals or almandite garnet minerals, adding to its allure and making it a top-rated beach within Olympic National Park.
Before heading out for a Ruby Beach hike, it's wise to check tide tables, as the extensive tide pools, teeming with marine life like sea stars and anemones, are best explored at low tide. The terrain can be uneven due to the massive amounts of weathered driftwood, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the shoreline. Parking is available, making this natural monument easily accessible for a day trip.
Ruby Beach is a fantastic destination for families, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting. The calmer waters of Cedar Creek, which flows onto the beach, provide a kid-friendly area away from the ocean waves. Many enjoy long walks along the beach, with some even venturing towards the Hoh River estuary. The best time to visit is often during low tide to fully experience the vibrant tide pools and capture the dramatic natural features.
Stepping onto Ruby Beach, you'll immediately notice the towering sea stacks that define its character, providing a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves. The sheer volume of driftwood, often piled high, creates a wild, untamed atmosphere that feels truly isolated despite the beach's popularity. Keep an eye out for otters and eagles, which are frequently spotted in this rich coastal ecosystem, adding to the magic of a visit.
Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or simply soaking in the stunning ocean views, Ruby Beach offers a variety of experiences. You can discover numerous hiking routes around this area, perfect for exploring the unique coastal environment. To plan your adventure and find the best Ruby Beach trails, komoot offers a range of options for every type of explorer, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this spectacular Washington gem.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Olympic National Park
Tips
July 11, 2019
Hiking
August 24, 2016
Hiking
You can walk to the Hoh River estuary along the beach.
•
October 19, 2023
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ruby Beach
2
hikers
895m
00:14
0m
20m
Ruby Beach offers an unforgettable, rugged coastal experience, perfect for a quick stop or a leisurely exploration. The short path from the parking area leads you down to a dramatic shoreline, where you'll find towering sea stacks, like Abbey Island, rising from the Pacific. The beach itself is a fascinating landscape of sand, pebbles, and an incredible collection of massive driftwood logs, creating a unique and ever-changing scene. At low tide, vibrant tide pools reveal a hidden world of marine life, making it a captivating spot for nature lovers and photographers.
This easy 0.6-mile (0.9 km) hike has no elevation gain and takes only about 14 minutes to reach the beach, though you'll want to spend much longer exploring. The trail is easily accessible from Highway 101, with a parking area right at the trailhead. For the best experience, plan your visit around low tide to explore the tide pools and safely cross Cedar Creek, which can become impassable at high tide. Arriving early can help you secure parking during busy periods.
Ruby Beach is renowned for its unique geological features and the sheer volume of artistic driftwood that washes ashore, setting it apart from other Olympic Coast trails. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see bald eagles, seabirds, and even whales offshore. The beach's name comes from the reddish crystals in the sand, which shimmer in the sun, adding another layer of natural beauty to this iconic Olympic National Park destination.
2
hikers
5.08km
01:20
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
hikers
1.15km
00:19
20m
20m
The Ruby Beach loop from Ruby Beach Parking offers a quintessential Olympic National Park coastal experience, leading you through a short, easy 0.7-mile (1.1 km) hike with only 81 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain. You'll quickly descend from the parking lot to a wild shoreline, where massive driftwood logs create a unique landscape. Keep an eye out for the dramatic sea stacks, like Abbey Island, which punctuate the horizon, and explore the vibrant tide pools at low tide.
Planning your visit to Ruby Beach is straightforward, as it's easily accessible from Highway 101 with ample parking. While the trail to the beach is short, some sections are steep and can be uneven, so wear sturdy footwear. For the safest and most rewarding experience, especially if you want to see the tide pools, check the tide charts and aim to visit during low tide.
Ruby Beach is renowned for its distinctive reddish sand, a result of almandite garnet minerals, which gives the beach its name and a unique visual appeal. The sheer quantity and size of the driftwood logs, constantly rearranged by ocean swells, also make this spot a photographer's dream. It's a perfect beginner hiking trail for families or anyone seeking a quick, scenic Pacific Coast adventure.
Details
Informations
Elevation 30 m
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Monday 29 June
16°C
11°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific hiking trails or routes at Ruby Beach, and what is their difficulty?
Ruby Beach itself offers extensive opportunities for long walks along the shoreline, rather than defined trails with elevation gain. The terrain is primarily sand and can be challenging due to large amounts of weathered driftwood, making it a moderate walk. Some visitors enjoy walking towards the Hoh River estuary from Ruby Beach. Always check tide tables before venturing out for longer walks, as parts of the beach can become impassable at high tide.
What are the parking arrangements at Ruby Beach, and how early should I arrive?
Parking is available at Ruby Beach, located directly off Highway 101. However, it is a very popular destination, especially during peak season and weekends. Community tips suggest that the parking lot fills up quickly. Arriving early in the morning, ideally before mid-morning, is strongly recommended to secure a spot and avoid crowds.
Is Ruby Beach accessible by public transport?
Public transport options directly to Ruby Beach are extremely limited. It is situated along Highway 101 within Olympic National Park, a rural area. Visitors typically access the beach by private vehicle. There are no regular bus services that stop directly at the beach.
Are permits or fees required to visit Ruby Beach?
Ruby Beach is part of Olympic National Park. While there is no specific fee to access Ruby Beach itself, visitors entering Olympic National Park generally require a park entrance pass. These passes can be purchased at park entrance stations or online. Check the official National Park Service website for current fee information and pass options.
What is the best time of year to visit Ruby Beach to avoid crowds and experience good weather?
While the intro mentions low tide is best for tide pools, for avoiding crowds and generally milder weather, the shoulder seasons (late spring/early summer or early fall) are often ideal. Summer brings the warmest weather but also the largest crowds. Winter can offer dramatic, solitary experiences but also colder temperatures, higher winds, and more rain. Always check the local weather forecast before your visit.
Is Ruby Beach suitable for families with young children, and what activities can they enjoy?
Yes, Ruby Beach is considered a fantastic destination for families. Children can enjoy exploring the extensive tide pools at low tide, searching for marine life like sea stars and anemones. The calmer waters of Cedar Creek, which flows onto the beach, provide a safer, kid-friendly area away from the main ocean waves. The vast amounts of driftwood also offer unique opportunities for imaginative play and exploration.
Is Ruby Beach dog-friendly, and are there any restrictions?
Dogs are permitted on Ruby Beach, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times. This is a National Park regulation to protect wildlife and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted at Ruby Beach, especially in the tide pools?
Ruby Beach is teeming with marine life, especially in its exceptional tide pools visible at low tide. Visitors can spot colorful sea stars, green anemones, mussels, crabs, and sea urchins. Beyond the tide pools, keep an eye out for otters and eagles, which are frequently seen in this rich coastal ecosystem. Destruction Island, visible offshore, is also a significant bird nesting site.
Are there any cafes, restaurants, or accommodation options near Ruby Beach?
Ruby Beach is located within Olympic National Park, which is a relatively undeveloped area. There are no cafes, restaurants, or direct accommodation options immediately at the beach. The nearest services, including lodging and dining, can be found in the nearby Kalaloch area, which is a short drive south, or in the town of Forks, approximately 27 miles north.
What are the accessibility options for visitors with mobility challenges at Ruby Beach?
Access to Ruby Beach from the parking area involves a short, somewhat steep trail down to the beach. Once on the beach, the terrain consists of sand and large amounts of driftwood, which can make navigation challenging for those with mobility issues or using wheelchairs. There are no paved paths or boardwalks directly on the beach itself.
What should I wear for a visit to Ruby Beach?
Given the rugged coastal environment, it's best to dress in layers. Even on sunny days, the Pacific coast can be breezy and cool. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended due to the uneven terrain, wet sand, and potential for tide pool exploration. A waterproof or windproof outer layer is also advisable, regardless of the season.