Ruby Beach

The trail begins directly from the designated parking lot at Ruby Beach. From there, it's a short descent to the beach itself.

The initial path from the parking lot to the beach is a relatively short descent, approximately 0.25 to 0.6 miles. While generally considered easy, it can have steep sections with drain dips, roots, and rocks. Once on the beach, the terrain consists of sand, pebbles, and significant accumulations of large driftwood. Navigating the driftwood can be strenuous and requires caution, especially at high tide.

The main route to Ruby Beach is a short hike, taking approximately 14 minutes to cover the 0.9 km (0.6 miles) distance. However, you can extend your exploration for several miles along the shoreline, especially at low tide, which will increase your overall time.

The trail offers breathtaking coastal views, including towering sea stacks and Abbey Island. At low tide, vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life are visible. The beach itself is known for its massive driftwood and can sometimes exhibit a reddish tint due to garnet stones. Sunsets here are also renowned for their spectacular quality.

Dogs are permitted on the Ruby Beach trail and beach, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.

Ruby Beach is beautiful year-round, but visiting during the drier months (late spring to early fall) offers more predictable weather. However, the dramatic scenery can be particularly striking during stormy winter days. Always check tidal charts, as low tide is ideal for exploring tide pools and navigating the driftwood more safely.

Ruby Beach is part of Olympic National Park. While there is no specific entrance station at Ruby Beach, an entrance fee or valid park pass is required to enter Olympic National Park. You can find more information on fees and passes on the official NPS website: nps.gov.

The initial descent to the beach is generally considered easy, but it can be steep in sections with uneven tread, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs without assistance. Once on the beach, navigating the large driftwood can also be strenuous. Families with young children should be mindful of these conditions and the potential for shifting logs at high tide.

Ruby Beach offers opportunities to spot various wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead, deer in the surrounding maritime forest, and otters near the water. The tide pools at low tide are home to marine life such as starfish, crabs, and anemones.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the North Kalaloch Beach and the Kalaloch Beaches. At low tide, you can extend your hike further north towards the mouth of the Hoh River or south to Steamboat Creek.

To fully experience Ruby Beach, plan your visit around low tide. This allows for safer navigation around the massive driftwood and provides the best opportunity to explore the vibrant tide pools. It also opens up options for longer walks along the shoreline, offering views of Destruction Island and its lighthouse.