An Afternoon at Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach

Known for its sea stacks, reddish sand, and huge driftwood structures, Ruby Beach is mesmerizing, beautiful, dog-friendly, and, at times, gray and moody—a must-visit when exploring the Olympic National Park western coastline. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, the beach, like the rest of Olympic National Park, is beautiful. It’s no wonder the park ranks in the top 10 most popular National Parks in the United States, with 3 million people visiting in 2023 alone.

Located between the Hoh and Quinault territories, Ruby Beach gets its name from the red-hued minerals called almandite that are found in the sand. These minerals give the beach its subtle ruby tint, adding an extra layer of charm to the already stunning scenery. We loved Ruby Beach for its towering sea stacks, moody atmosphere, and dramatic waves. Some come here to surf, but for us, it was all about soaking in the unique atmosphere that makes Ruby Beach stand out.

Plan your Visit to Ruby Beach

Just like with any adventure, it’s important to pack smart. Check the weather forecast so you’re prepared for whatever the Pacific Northwest throws your way. Bring extra layers like a poncho, windbreaker, or rain jacket for the cool waters and potentially moody weather. Sturdy shoes—whether waterproof or water shoes—are a must for exploring the rocky shoreline. Don’t forget binoculars for spotting wildlife.

Kalaloch Weather

If you’re traveling with your dog, keep in mind that Ruby Beach is dog-friendly, so don’t forget to pack extra towels for drying off and a blanket to protect your car seats from sand. It’s also important to follow the Leave No Trace principles, so be sure to bring a bag for collecting any trash or dog waste.

For those looking to capture the stunning landscapes of Ruby Beach, packing a camera is a must. And don’t forget binoculars if you’re interested in spotting wildlife along the coast.

Driving to Ruby Beach

After hearing about Ruby Beach’s stunning landscapes, you’re probably eager to see it for yourself. The drive to Ruby Beach from both Port Angeles and Forks is straightforward and offers beautiful views of the Olympic Peninsula. We found that app-based navigation wasn’t always reliable, so it might be best to look up directions beforehand.

From Port Angeles, follow US-101 South until you reach the turnoff for Ruby Beach Road, where you’ll take a right to reach the beach (Map). If you’re coming from Forks, head south on US-101 and turn right onto Ruby Beach Road (Map).

Driving Length and Time

• Forks to Ruby Beach is about 27 miles and takes around 30 minutes
• Port Angeles to Ruby Beach is about 83.5 miles and takes around 1.5-hours
• Seattle to Ruby Beach is about 185 miles and takes around 3.5-hours

Places to Stay Near Ruby Beach

While the drive to La Push and the surrounding beaches is less than an hour from Forks—and Forks certainly has its own charm—we preferred to be more in touch with nature and explore Olympic National Park rather than spending too much time in town. If you feel the same way, there are several places to stay both in Forks and closer to La Push. Our stay at Mossquatch Resort was everything we were looking for; we loved the experience of sleeping in a canvas tent located midway between Forks and La Push.

For those who want to stay even closer to the coast, Kalaloch Lodge is an excellent option. Located right along the coastline of Olympic National Park, this pet-friendly lodge offers a unique opportunity to stay directly by the ocean while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

Hotels in the Olympic Peninsula

• Hotel Stays in Forks
• Hotel Stays in Port Angeles

Ruby Beach Interactive Map

Use our interactive map to explore the best spots at Ruby Beach, including trails, viewpoints, parking areas, and nearby attractions. We also highlight other beautiful Washington beaches, lodging options, and popular sights near Ruby Beach!

Beauty as Far as the Eye Can See

Once you arrive at Ruby Beach, you’ll find a small main parking lot as well as an overflow lot further down the road. You’ll need either an Olympic National Park Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park and enjoy the beach.

Before heading down the quarter-mile (~400 meter) trail to the beach, you’ll find vaulted toilets and dog waste containers available for visitors. As you walk down the trail, the rugged coastline comes into view, featuring dramatic sea stacks and massive driftwood scattered along the shore. Many of the photos we saw online before our visit showcased stunning sunsets, vibrant sea life, and dramatic colors.

However, the Pacific Northwest is known for its moody weather. Seattle experiences heavily clouded skies about 62% of the time, and the coastal weather can be even more overcast. Locals even refer to this time of year as “Fog-ust” instead of August. Despite the drizzle and overcast skies during our visit, Ruby Beach’s atmosphere is undeniably breathtaking, no matter the weather.

There are two main ways to access the beach: scrambling over the fallen driftwood or taking a carved-out path around it, which is much easier—especially for those with leashed dogs.

Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast. If the weather is similar to what we experienced—drizzly and overcast—we highly recommend wearing shoes that can get wet, such as water-resistant shoes or water shoes, and bringing rain jackets or ponchos. While you might be tempted to pack a swimsuit and take a dip, keep in mind that the water is cold, and the rocks are covered in barnacles, which can cause cuts and injuries. If you still decide to brave the waves, be cautious of rip tides and strong currents. This area is known to be a hotspot for surfers.

Exploring the Beach

We arrived at Ruby Beach just as the tide was coming in, so we missed out on much of the sea life that the tide pools are known for. However, when we first stepped off the quarter-mile trail, the tide pools were still visible. As the tide continues to roll in, the beach becomes submerged in ocean water, and when it recedes, water gets trapped in the slopes along the shore, forming these tide pools that are no longer directly connected to the ocean. Quite a few children were knee deep in the pools, splashing around and tossing rocks.

The crashing Pacific Ocean waves against the sea stacks and rocks were incredibly calming. We were blown away by the sheer beauty of the place. The contrast between the black and reddish sand, the massive sea stacks and the cloudy white sky above was stunning. You don’t truly grasp the size of the sea stacks until you walk up to them and look through the gaps!

As we explored, we came across some cool driftwood structures that people had built over time. Our pups appreciated the protection these makeshift shelters gave them from the drizzle.

The entire one-mile stretch of the beach is incredibly scenic, and our two little dogs, Toby and Lily, had a blast climbing along the driftwood—though they were less enthusiastic about the rain.

The beach was busy for an afternoon, but not packed. We saw several other visitors, many kindly offered to take our picture together which we appreciated! Some had also brought their furry friends, just like we did.

It’s said that during low tide you can spot a variety of sea life, including starfish, sea anemones, sea urchins, crabs and even sea lions. Unfortunately, since we arrived as the tide was coming in, we were too late to see any sea life.

So, if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of marine life, be sure to arrive about an hour before low tide for the best tide pool and sea life viewing.

Our Dogs Loved the Beach

Toby and Lily are always excited to explore new places. They loved walking along the shore and climbing on the giant driftwood. They ran along the beach, sniffing the rocks and driftwood, and seemed just as amazed by the surroundings as we were.

If you’re planning to bring your dogs, remember to keep them on a 6-foot leash at all times, as required by park rules. There’s a pet waste container in the parking lot, so you can easily clean up after them.

The most important thing when traveling with pets is to be a responsible owner. Make sure your dog is well-behaved, avoids barking at people or other dogs, doesn’t disturb sea life, and stays on a leash. Picking up after your dog is essential, too. Following the Leave No Trace principle is crucial to preserving this beautiful place for others, and that includes being mindful when visiting with your pets.

Other Washington State Beaches

Once you’ve warmed up in your car, there are plenty of other scenic beaches worth exploring. If you’re looking for more coastal adventures, head about an hour north of Ruby Beach to La Push, where you’ll find First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. First Beach is unique in that it allows dogs off-leash, offering them a bit more freedom to explore and run around. Rialto Beach is another dog-friendly option, though they must stay on a leash.

Day Comes to a Close

Our Ruby Beach experience—from the scenic drive and short trail to exploring the beach with our pups—was truly unforgettable. We highly recommend visiting, whether you’re drawn to the dramatic landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, or simply looking for a dog-friendly adventure. Next time we’re in the Pacific Northwest, we’ll definitely check the tide charts to catch more sea life in action.

If you’ve been to Ruby Beach or have any questions, feel free to share your thoughts or ask in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

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