Discover the Magic of Ruby Beach: A Coastal Gem in Olympic National Park

Discover the Magic of Ruby Beach: A Coastal Gem in Olympic National Park

Robert Decker

Prepare to be whisked away on a coastal adventure to Ruby Beach, located within the breathtaking Olympic National Park off highway 101. This hidden gem is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers alike, with its wild shores, majestic sea stacks, and enchanting tide pools.

Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

Click here to see the Ruby Beach poster!

As you approach Ruby Beach, you'll feel a sense of excitement building inside you. The salty sea air fills your lungs as you catch glimpses of the stunning coastline ahead. With its red-colored sand and captivating sunset views, Ruby Beach truly lives up to its name.

With nearly 225,000 visitors each year, Ruby Beach is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. And after a three-month closure in 2022, the parking facilities have been improved to create better accessibility and provide increased safety for visitors.

As you make your way along the paved trail from the parking lot to the beach, you'll encounter gnarled and sun-bleached driftwood scattered among the river rocks at the entrance. To the north, the iconic sea stacks look dramatic next to the steep cliff face that rises up from the beach.

I recommend visiting at low tide to fully experience the magic of Ruby Beach. This is the perfect opportunity to see the sea life within the tide pools and observe the reddish colored sand that gives Ruby Beach its glamorous name.

But don't forget to check the local tides before venturing too far - the opportunity for tidepooling is dependent on low tide and the safety for walking certain stretches of the Kalaloch beaches, including Ruby Beach.

Thanks to the recent improvements, the facilities at Ruby Beach have been made more accessible and safer for visitors. The parking lot has been expanded, new signage and pavement markings have been installed, and the beach access has been improved with graded and paved roads, curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, and steps. And for those with mobility issues, a wheelchair accessible ramp leads to a spacious overlook for a stunning view of the famous beach.

And, there's so much more to see at Olympic National Park!

Click here to see this Olympic National Park poster!

So what are you waiting for? Plan a visit to Ruby Beach and discover for yourself what makes this small coastal slice of Olympic National Park such an inviting stop along the Olympic Peninsula.

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