📷 Olympic National Park, Public domainRuby Beach
Kalaloch, WA
A beach of sea stacks, driftwood and reddish sand on the Olympic coast, a short walk down from a pull-out on US-101. Sunset is the favourite time; the lot is small and fills in summer.
Ruby Beach lies on the coastal strip of Olympic National Park, about 43 km (27 miles) south of Forks, right off Highway 101. It takes its name from ruby-like crystals in the sand. The scene is defined by sea stacks, led by Abbey Island, the largest of them, and by great piles of driftwood. About 6.5 km (4 miles) offshore you can see Destruction Island and its lighthouse.
From the parking lot, which has restrooms, a path of roughly 400 m (a quarter mile) leads down to the beach. Tide pools are only reachable at low tide, so check a tide table before you go. To the north, Cedar Creek keeps shifting its course; depending on water levels, you may have to wade across. Take care on the driftwood logs, which are very slippery. The light is best in the morning and at sunset, and the beach gets busy in peak season.
- Nearest town
- Kalaloch, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.7106, -124.4153
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
© Walter Siegmund (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0Olympic Peninsula loop: ridges, rain forest and wild beaches
Photo by Halanna Halila on UnsplashMoss, glaciers and driftwood – by camper through the Pacific Northwest
© Walter Siegmund (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0Rainforest, glacier peaks and driftwood beaches – by camper around the Olympic Peninsula
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Ruby BeachTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- South BeachCampsite10 mi from Ruby BeachTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Hoh Oxbow CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Ruby BeachTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Bogachiel State Park CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Ruby BeachTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- 3 Rivers ResortCampsite15 mi from Ruby BeachTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Mora CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Ruby Beach · 94 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ruby Beach?
Ruby Beach is in Kalaloch, WA, at GPS 47.7106, -124.4153. It is about 17 mi from Forks.
Can you camp near Ruby Beach?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kalaloch Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ruby Beach?
Ruby Beach is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Olympic Peninsula loop: ridges, rain forest and wild beaches, Moss, glaciers and driftwood – by camper through the Pacific Northwest and Rainforest, glacier peaks and driftwood beaches – by camper around the Olympic Peninsula.
What is there to see near Ruby Beach?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rialto Beach (18 mi), Hoh Rain Forest (25 mi), Hoh Campground (25 mi) and Quinault Rain Forest (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Ruby Beach?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)