A Dreamy Guide to Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, WA

To some, Ruby Beach is a scenic pitstop on the Olympic Peninsula. To others, it’s a must-visit dream destination bursting with natural beauty, where they could get blissfully lost for hours. After seeing this slice of paradise, you’ll quickly become one of the latter. 

What catches most visitors off guard is just how captivating Ruby Beach can be. It’s one of the state’s most well-known and visited beaches, characterized by unique rock formations, reddish sand, impressive driftwood structures, and plenty of active tide pools.

But, along with its scenery and activities, there is a lot worth knowing about the beach. So stick around to find out every detail about this amazing place and how to plan an unforgettable trip.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

P.S. For insights and tips on the must-do activities in the surrounding Olympic National Park, I’ve put together this guide on the best things to do to fill your itinerary.

Where Is Ruby Beach, Washington?

Okay, first things first. Where exactly is Ruby Beach? Located on the Washington Coast, it is part of the Olympic National Park. As the northernmost beach from the Kalaloch Beach access point, it’s one of the highlights of the southern coastal section of the park.

Thankfully, getting to the beach is relatively easy. Ruby Beach sits 27 miles south of Forks (yes, that Forks), in Washington State, on Highway 101. Alternatively, you can take HWY 101 north from Hoquiam, which is about 77 miles. That said, here are some other driving distances for nearby cities:

• Port Angeles to Ruby Beach: 27.1 miles
• Aberdeen to Ruby Beach: 80.7 miles
• Seattle to Ruby Beach: 185 miles

Regardless of which direction you’re coming from, be on the lookout for the Ruby Beach sign, turning west onto a short road leading you directly to the beach parking lot.

Ruby Beach Olympic National Park Map

Below is an interactive map to help you get a better idea of the area, the many must-see sights, and a closer look at how to get to Ruby Beach. 

The Best Things to Do at Ruby Beach

Beyond simply knowing where Ruby Beach is, the next step in plotting your perfect visit is pinpointing the activities you can look forward to. Let’s get to it.

Hiking The Ruby Beach Trail

• Distance: 1 mile (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 50 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Timing: 25 minutes
• Pets: Dogs are allowed if leashed
• Permits: You’ll need to pay the park entrance fee, which does vary depending on the vehicle you’re entering the park with.
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the first things you’ll do when visiting Ruby Beach is descend down a steep trail that’s more of a nature walk than a hiking trail. Located right off the parking lot for the beach, you’ll quickly see the trailhead, but don’t forget to grab a few snapshots.

You’ll have fantastic views of the beach, cliffs below, and the area around it from this ridgeline. While the trail down might be considered accessible, it is pretty steep, and you’ll likely start to encounter loose pebbles and driftwood as you reach the bottom. 

Once you reach the end, after overcoming a few pieces of driftwood, you’ll step onto the beach, immediately noticing some of its most renowned features. Here, you can take a few minutes to snap a photo (or ten) before making your way onto its shores.

Go Tide Pooling

One of Ruby Beach’s most remarkable highlights is the many iconic tide pools that form around the distinct, angular sea stacks offshore. While roaming around from one to the next is a must-do, remember that most stay underwater until low tide.

Bring along a tide chart during your visit to ensure that you time your visit just right. If you don’t have one, most hotels and campground hosts should stock them, or you can easily find one here.

Once low tide hits, these tide pools become a full-blown spectacle with bright starfish, vibrant sea stars, giant anemones, and various shellfish. Scuttling through the seaweed, you’ll also spot spiny sea urchins, hard-shelled limpets, and crabs.

If you’re unfamiliar with tide pool etiquette, please keep the following in mind:

• Always step on clear, bare rock and avoid stepping on barnacles—they’re alive and easily hurt.
• Please do not poke or prod any of the sea creatures you come across, and do not move them from their spots.
• Tidepools are incredibly slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and walk slowly.

See the Sea Stacks at Abbey Island

Another fun activity suitable for the whole family during low tide is roaming around the several tall rock formations made accessible as the water retracts. These stone spires result from hundreds of years of erosion and are one of Ruby Beach’s most iconic attractions.

Out of the many sea stacks along the coastline, Abbey Island stands out (pun intended) and is a true must-see shore stunner. Alongside being the ideal Insta-background, these formations are also a protected refuge for a variety of marine wildlife.

Perched on the rock edges, you’ll quickly spot sea otters, migratory birds, tufted puffins, and common murres. Sitting close to Abbey Island is another stack that reaches roughly 20 feet and has a signature hole in the middle. This is the ideal spot to soak in the sunset during your visit.

Admire Destruction Island Lighthouse

Sitting on a 30-acre island and officially a part of the Quillayute Needles Wildlife Refuge, the eerie Destruction Island Lighthouse is next up. While it isn’t open to the public, the lighthouse has been a part of Ruby Beach’s landscape since 1891.

Though visiting the actual lighthouse isn’t a possibility, it is still an incredible sight and holds quite the backstory. It was initially named after two massacres that, unfortunately, took place on the island in 1775 and 1787.

Standing 94 feet tall, the lighthouse was first lit in 1893 to prevent the rising number of shipwrecks off its rocky shoreline. It was automated in 1968 and then fully decommissioned in 2008 and was home to a lively community with four lighthouse keepers and a schoolhouse. 

Head Out Kayaking

There aren’t many activities as thrilling and refreshing as kayaking out onto the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Considering that Ruby Beach is a hotspot for this pastime, there’s simply no reason not to, and if you don’t have the gear, you can rent it at nearby Kalaloch Lodge.

Now, while you can swim at the beach, it isn’t recommended unless you’re a strong swimmer. Alongside the sometimes aggressive tides, ocean water at Ruby Beach, Washington state, stays ice-cold year-round, and it’s best to wear a wetsuit.

That said, even though you cannot swim, kayaking is an excellent alternative. Riptides aside, the waters remain relatively mellow. A big part of why kayaking is such a hot trend at the beach is the ideal conditions the waters offer for everyone, from beginners to experts.

Spend Time Beachcombing

As with most of the beautiful beaches on the Olympic Peninsula, days at Ruby Beach don’t come full circle until you’ve done some beachcombing. You’ll often spot families dusting off sand-covered seashells with children. An activity that quickly turns into afternoon beach play.

Beachcombers aren’t limited to just chasing conches and cockles, though. Eager treasure hunters can look forward to finding agates, unique glass formations, distinct rocks, and intricate driftwood creation.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Ruby Beach

Packing for your excursion to Ruby Beach is an essential step in planning your trip. With Ruby Beach camping possibilities nearby, below is a detailed breakdown of what not to leave at home.

For a Day Trip

1. Sunscreen: As one of the ten essentials, sunscreen is not to be forgotten, especially if you burn easily. >Buy Sunscreen
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: It’s best to leave your flip-flops at home and wear comfortable sturdy boots or shoes instead. >Check Out These Boots
3. Hiking Socks: You can never have too many hiking socks. >Get a Pair
4. Refillable water bottle: The beach will make you thirsty, and with a lot to do, you can’t go wrong by bringing a refillable water bottle. >Check Prices
5. Water: Can’t walk around all day with an empty water bottle.  
6. Sunglasses: When the sun’s out, it’s better to have your sunglasses with you. >Have a Look at These
7. Snacks: The closest town to Ruby Beach is about 20 miles away, so bringing along some snacks or a picnic basket is a must. >Buy Snacks
8. Camera: While everyone has their camera preference, packing one is non-negotiable. >Check Prices
9. Daypack: Make life more manageable, and remember your daypack to keep everything where it’s supposed to be. >REI Daypack
10. Leggings or Hiking Pants: While the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is notoriously rainy, leggings are a great choice on sunny days, or hiking pants if it does rain. >Check These Out
11. Jacket: Similarly to its rainy conditions, Ruby Beach is chilly most days of the year. >Buy My Jacket
12. Mid-layer jacket: The PNW’s weather is also exceptionally unpredictable, making a mid-layer a must. >Check Out this Jacket
13. Raincoat: Heavy downpours are a reality at times, so come prepared. >Check Prices

If Camping Near Ruby Beach

1. Everything listed above, and…
2. Heavyweight Backpack: You should be good to go with a 50-60 liter durable backpack. >Check Prices
3. Tent: A camping staple, invest in a lightweight tent that is easy to assemble. >Try a Nemo Backpacking Tent
4. Jet Boiler: This is a portable mini-stove that you’ll use to boil water, and it’s a must-have if you plan on bringing dry food. >Buy My Jet Boiler
5. Jet Boiler Propane: You can get propane at Walmart or REI on the road to Olympic National Park.
6. Sleeping Pad: These small, packable inflatable mattresses are lifesavers and perfect for easy, short-day hiking trips. >Check Out These Options
7. Dry Food: Dry food is the best you can bring for backpacking adventures, and you only need boiling water. Fair warning, though. It doesn’t taste that great, but it gets the job done. >These Are Personal Favorites
8. Spork: The most valuable item ever, a spoon-fork-combo. >Get a Spork
9. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must, and they’re far more portable than a flashlight. >Get One
10. Pillows: Pillows do take up packing space, which makes getting inflatable ones the ideal solution. >These Are Great
11. Sleeping Bag: One of the most important things to remember for a good night’s sleep is your bag. >These are Super
12. Compression Pack: These compress your sleeping bag to pack more easily. >Check Prices
13. Sandals: Lounging around the campsite with hiking boots is rough. Instead, opt for a pair of sandals. >Sandals Like These
14. Trash Bags: Please always leave the campsite and area the way you found it and clean up after your visit. 
15. Printed Campsite Reservation: You can pick this up at the ranger station if you’re camping at the beach, and they’re easy to hang up outside your tent.
16. Bare Necessities: This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, medication, and toiletries.
17. Bear Canister: You can rent these at the ranger station, but if you plan on return trips, it’s better to get them yourself. >Buy your Bear Canister
18. Fire Starter: The easier way to start a fire. Simply stack your driftwood, and you’re good to go. >Get this Cool Firestarter
19. Water Reservoir: No matter how big your water bottle is, you’ll be thankful to have a water reservoir when it inevitably runs out. >Get One Here
20. Olympic National Park Map and Book: You can grab one at the visitor center, but there are more detailed options out there. >Buy My Map >Buy My Book

Places to Camp Near Ruby Beach

Camping near Ruby Beach is an amazing experience, and luckily, there are some standout spots throughout Olympic National Park.

Kalaloch Campground

As one of the only campgrounds in the Kalaloch area, it only makes sense to snag a site at its namesake campsite, just off Kalaloch Beach. Located about 10 minutes (7 miles) from the beach, the Kalaloch Campground is open year-round, and you’ll need to get a backcountry permit. You can pick one up from the ranger station.

There are 170 sites at Kalaloch, including RV spots. These spots mostly accommodate RVs up to 21 feet, with some spots accommodating RVs up to 35. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, which costs $10 per use.

While the campground’s facilities are wheelchair accessible, there are no accessible beach access trails in the area. It’s recommended that you reserve a spot during the reservation period, which runs from May 23 to September 23, 2025. Outside of this period, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with spots costing $24 per night.

Places to Stay Near Ruby Beach

Apart from Kalaloch Lodge, there are very few options for places to stay near Ruby Beach if you’re not camping. Below are the top picks from nearby Forks and Port Angeles.

Luxury | Hoh Valley Cabins

Placing you close enough to Ruby Beach, WA, with a fantastic location near the Hoh River, the Hoh Valley Cabins is the best pick if you want to combine subtle luxury with a secluded feel. Each air-conditioned, double-story cabin is tastefully designed and decorated with every amenity you’ll need. >>>Check Prices and Availability

Mid-Range | Olympic Inn & Suites

The Olympic Inn & Suites is a great mid-range option because it combines the convenience of being situated in Port Angeles with budget-friendly high-end amenities. Their family rooms are the perfect vacation solution, while their standard and deluxe rooms are well-decorated and equipped. >>>Check Prices and Availability

Budget | Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

Located in Downtown Port Angeles, the Red Lion Port Angeles Harbor is a budget-conscious 3-star property. It’s a bargain with its stunning beachfront perch and tasteful features, including an on-site restaurant and direct ferry terminal access. Book a room with a balcony to view the Strait of Juan de Fuca. >>>Check Prices and Availability

Explore the Other Beaches in the Olympic Peninsula

Alongside Ruby Beach, there are a few other spectacular beaches in the area that you definitely should visit. Keep reading for a bit of insight on each one.

Rialto Beach

A quintessential PNW beach that’s worth more than one visit, Rialto Beach is an absolute must. One of Ruby Beach’s Olympic National Park siblings, the beach lies north of the Quiluete Tribe’s home of La Push.

A popular highlight is the Hole-in-the-Wall, which provides some fantastic snapshots. You’ll also find various sea stacks on the shore in keeping with Ruby Beach. Of course, the coast here also shows off with numerous beach logs, and the Mora Campground is just 3 miles away.

Second Beach

One of the best beaches in Olympic National Park, Second Beach, is hands down famous for gladly showing off a glorious stretch of the Pacific coast. At low tide, its rugged beauty and uniqueness outshines its competition, and its beach hike is a fun activity.   

The thick rainforest you weave through to reach the beach adds to its vibe, culminating in some gorgeous scenery. This is also one of the best beaches for camping, and nearby campsites are perfect for the whole family. 

Read More: 25 Best Hikes in the Pacific Northwest + Packing List & Tips

Cape Flattery

Next up, and another must-visit Olympic Peninsula beach, is Cape Flattery. Combining dramatic cliffs, powerful ocean waves, sea caves, wildlife, and stunning coastal forests, Cape Flattery has it all.

While not part of Olympic National Park, the area is alive with a raw beauty that makes any visit worthwhile. Four viewpoints are located around the cape, where you can immerse yourself in the area’s scenery or watch for birds such as bald eagles.

Essential Trip Tips | Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

No Ruby Beach adventure would be complete without some nifty insider tips. Here are a few that will surely come in handy.

• Remember that Ruby Beach is situated within Olympic National Park, so you’ll need to get a National Park Pass to use the park’s public parking lots.
• Ruby Beach is a no-drone zone, and it is illegal to fly drones on the beach or in the surrounding area. This is enforced to ensure the safety of the native bald eagles that call the beach home.
• While the beach is a fantastic day trip option, its location makes it a brilliant addition to a more extended 2-3 day Olympic National Park itinerary. 
• Visiting Ruby Beach is always better during low tide, so try to plan any excursion to the coastline to match the tide schedule. While still gorgeous to see during high tide, you’ll be able to explore a lot more when it’s out to sea.

FAQs About Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach

After all, you might still have some Ruby Beach questions that need answering. Below are answers to the most popular ones.

Which Is Better, Rialto or Ruby Beach?

This all comes down to personal preference, and while both beaches share some similarities, each has a unique vibe and atmosphere that you’ll enjoy. If you’re hoping to see the Hole-in-the-Wall someday, your best first option is Rialto.

What Is the Closest Town to Ruby Beach?

The closest town is Forks, and there are more than enough reasons to plan a trip simply just to this charming city. It is located 27 miles south of Ruby Beach, and you can reach it in under an hour along Highway 101.  

Does Ruby Beach Have Restrooms?

Yes, Ruby Beach does have a restroom, which you’ll find at the center of the parking lot. While facilities are rudimentary, the restrooms do have two vault toilets. 

Tours At Olympic National Park

A Final Word on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington

And that, folks, is a wrap on everything you need to know about Ruby Beach to make any visit memorable. Whether you’re just out for the day and need a coastal haunt to enjoy or looking for an idyllic, family-friendly seaside escape, there’s something for everyone. 

Before you go, though. Find out what the weather is like in Olympic National Park with this guide on the best time to visit.

Pin For Later: Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park