Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park: Address, Ruby Beach Reviews: 5/5
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach
5
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Dramatic Pacific coast beach with a rugged shoreline.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,270 reviews
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gilber20
Vienna, VA205 contributions
My wife, two sons (14 yrs. 12 yrs), and I drove all the way from Port Angeles, WA to visit Ruby Beach. It's a delightful spot that is well worth your time. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket as Pacific Coast beaches can feel chilly on a windy day. The rock formations here are just gorgeous - if you're lucky to arrive on a sunny afternoon, try to visit the beach as the sun is descending!
If you have very young children, they can wade in the shallow tide pools which are a safe distance away from the surf. The ocean water is brutally cold - but you may see a starfish or sea anemone if you look hard. Our visit was pretty short (45 minutes), and I would encourage you to visit another public beach (less crowded) that is just a few miles south on Highway 101 (away from the Hoh Rain Forest) if you have time. That will give you a different experience with the Pacific Ocean and fewer crowds!
I will say that Olympic National Park is spectacular. In my opinion, the 3 "must-see" things in the park would be Hurricane Ridge (close to Port Angeles, WA), Lake Crescent (for hiking canoeing, or just a place to take a break from driving), and Ruby Beach. If your time is limited, I would skip the Hoh Rain Forest, which was OK, but not really worth the additional driving time (30 minutes) there.
If you have very young children, they can wade in the shallow tide pools which are a safe distance away from the surf. The ocean water is brutally cold - but you may see a starfish or sea anemone if you look hard. Our visit was pretty short (45 minutes), and I would encourage you to visit another public beach (less crowded) that is just a few miles south on Highway 101 (away from the Hoh Rain Forest) if you have time. That will give you a different experience with the Pacific Ocean and fewer crowds!
I will say that Olympic National Park is spectacular. In my opinion, the 3 "must-see" things in the park would be Hurricane Ridge (close to Port Angeles, WA), Lake Crescent (for hiking canoeing, or just a place to take a break from driving), and Ruby Beach. If your time is limited, I would skip the Hoh Rain Forest, which was OK, but not really worth the additional driving time (30 minutes) there.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,206 contributions
We came around 9:30 am on Thursday 7/29 as we were driving from Astoria Oregon to Port Angeles. Since it was early in the morning, we had no issues finding parking and it was quiet when we first got there. However, when we left an hour later, the parking lot was getting full so if you don't want to have issues with parking, definitely get there early.
There is a trail down to the beach. Once at the beach, we walked to see the sea stacks and there was plenty of driftwood.
Ruby Beach belongs to Olympic NP but we did not have to show our park pass nor did I see any way to pay the park fees.
There is a trail down to the beach. Once at the beach, we walked to see the sea stacks and there was plenty of driftwood.
Ruby Beach belongs to Olympic NP but we did not have to show our park pass nor did I see any way to pay the park fees.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mtjenSA
Bellevue, WA9 contributions
Try to make it to Ruby Beach at Sunset - it's magical. I recommend getting your dinner to go in Forks and have a picnic while watching the sun go down then taking a walk on the beach after dinner.
One note of caution, the drive into the parking lot is full of very deep potholes. Be very careful if driving in late without good lighting without a car/truck that has high clearance. The car in front of us hit really hard and had to get a tow out because the car was left not drivable.
One note of caution, the drive into the parking lot is full of very deep potholes. Be very careful if driving in late without good lighting without a car/truck that has high clearance. The car in front of us hit really hard and had to get a tow out because the car was left not drivable.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike M
Battle Creek, MI79 contributions
I wasn't even sure I wanted to go here and it ended up being my favorite place we saw on our whole trip!
Don't let the rain keep you away. We visited one afternoon and it was gray and spitting rain but it was so beautiful. I would use the word ethereal, otherworldly.
So we wandered around a bit and the next morning we had time so we back. It wasn't raining and it may even had a little sunshine but it was like a different place entirely!
Just stunning. We didn't see a sunset but it is amazingly gorgeous anytime of the day and I would say in any weather! Just Go!
Don't let the rain keep you away. We visited one afternoon and it was gray and spitting rain but it was so beautiful. I would use the word ethereal, otherworldly.
So we wandered around a bit and the next morning we had time so we back. It wasn't raining and it may even had a little sunshine but it was like a different place entirely!
Just stunning. We didn't see a sunset but it is amazingly gorgeous anytime of the day and I would say in any weather! Just Go!
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
April
Beaverton, OR362 contributions
Ruby Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on the West Coast. There's plenty of parking and you follow a walk path from the parking lot to the beach. Go at low tide if you can time just right. Several huge rock formations that are stunningly beautiful. At low tide you can explore in the tide pools for sea creatures. The beach is covered with drift wood that several visitors gather to make small structures that are fun to play around. Millions of smooth rocks are everywhere. Visitors like to make cairn statues that are on display to enjoy and photograph. It was a bit overcast when we arrived but it cleared while we were exploring. Worth the stop.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jane S
Valparaiso, IN103 contributions
Birdie at the ranger station told us that many scenes from Twilight were filmed at Ruby Beach, and I can see why. The many rock formations erupting from the beach and the water would be perfect for the creepy atmosphere needed in that film. The fact that the smoke and fog covered much of the landscape just added to the ethereal feeling.
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jautrey21
Columbus, MS117 contributions
In one day we got to see Rialto, LaPush, and Ruby. All are so beautiful that they took away my words. Of the three Ruby was probably my favorite as its features really appealed to me. The flat stones stacked on washed up trees was a cool, unexpected treat and I placed a few of my own there. If in NW Washington state don't miss a chance to see these beaches. You will not be disappointed!
Written May 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ruthandvern
Wilton, CA14,721 contributions
This is a really outstanding beach! We drove down for sunset and returned the next day and spent a few hours at low and slack tide. The rocks are each outstanding. The beach is easy walking and the driftwood constructions are so beachy.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jkweebs
Omaha, NE520 contributions
This is one of the most beautiful places in Olympic National Park. A nice little walk down to the beach not too long but can be a little taxing for some coming back up. We walked the beach for about an hour and a half early in the morning. By the time we were leaving so many people were coming onto the beach and into the parking lot. If you really want to enjoy the beauty of this beach go early and avoid the crowds. Either way, this is a must-stop and see in Olympic NP.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angela_Houser
Sioux City, IA1,234 contributions
On a day trip to Olympic NP from Seattle, Ruby Beach was one of our first stops (husband, 4 year old daughter, me). We just loved this beach so much and ended up spending more time here than originally planned. The scenery is unreal, my daughter enjoyed playing in the sand, and it’s just an eerily peaceful place. It makes a good first or second stop on a day trip from Seattle I’d you choose to start on the coast first (which might be a good idea as most people start in Port Angeles and by noon many places we stopped at were quite busy even though it was a Tuesday in mid September). It was nice to have a rather secluded beach as there were maybe 20 other people there.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne T
Austin, TX37 contributions
I will be near Ruby Beach during the week of Sept 13-17. Looking at the tide tables, I see that low tide during that time is not very much lower than high tide... Will I still be able to see critters in tide pools?
April
Beaverton, OR362 contributions
Only see them at low tide. It's a beautiful beach to walk even if you don't get to see the tide pool critters.
Roop
Coral Springs, FL4 contributions
Hello everyone!
I’m planning a road trip to Portland Oregon and Washington around labors day.
If anyone has any advise or is familiar with this route please free to drop a comment.
We will be flying into PDX and flying out of Seattle Washington. We have about 7 days to road trip through the two states.
Here’s the itinerary and what I have planned so far -
travel itinerary.
Friday, 30 Aug
flying to Portland (PDX)
Arrival 11:30p
Saturday , 31 August - Portland, Oregon
- Saturday ( full day)
- Sunday morning
Things to do:
Portland ( the city) +Monmouth falls
- Sunday afternoon - 1pm -Head to Forks Washington ( approx 4hour drive)
Sunday, Sept 1
Arrive at forks -
- arrival 5pm
Things to do: Ruby beach
Monday, 2 Sep
HoH rainforest
(Monday evening after rainforest
Drive to Sequim - check into hotel ( approx 1 hour drive)
Tuesday, 3 sep
Hot springs, Olympic National part - Dul Soc
Wednesday , 4 Sep- check out early
Sept 4th- Leave Port Angeles Depart to port Townsend ferry to coupville, drive 48 mins -1hour to Anacortes to Friday harbor ( San Juan island) whale/ orca watching excursion -4:30p Wednesday stay at Friday harbor Earth box in - check out Thursday
Thursday -Sept 5th
Friday harbor to ana Cortes - Washington state ferry to Seattle
Friday -Sept 6th
Explore Seattle
Ruby beach, Rialto beach, HOH rainforest - Forks August 31st -Sept 1st
Sept 2nd -3rd Hot springs, Olympic National part - Dul Soc
Sept 4th- Leave Port Angeles Depart to port Townsend ferry to coupville, drive 48 mins -1hour to Anacortes to Friday harbor ( San Juan island) whale/ orca watching excursion -4:30p Wednesday stay at Friday harbor Earth box in - check out Thursday
Sept 5-6th Friday harbor to ana Cortes - Washington state ferry to Seattle Overnight Seattle
wow, been there, done that. I would suggest you stop at nectar in pdx and get some cannabis. then stop at voodoo too for some nutrition. I've been living in pacific county, awesome for 2 years now. I was on vacation we did a million things and got so overwhelmed. in a few weeks we're heading to neah bsy, ruby beach and jig rain forrest. when you're in the gorge you should climb beacon rock and visit the overlook on the oregon side. happy travels
Amy G
Franklin, TN
How much time should we allow in Olympic National Park to see Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, and Cresent Lake? Thanks
linda r
Niceville, FL26 contributions
We drove in to Olympic national park from the north and hit hurricane ridge first. I would say we stayed an hour or two then we drove to Lake Crescent to spend the night. We stayed in the cabins that night. Great restaurant and they have some great easy hiking trails. My husband and I are 65 and they were perfect. Beautiful trees and a waterfall. Probably took us a half of a day. We did spend the night again because we had he time. The next morning we drove to Kalaloch lodge. An absolutely beautiful national park lodge right on the Pacific Ocean. We spent a day visiting the different beaches and exploring the coast line. We didn’t swim (really no one was) so we explored the tide pools, driftwood, and packed a lunch. One beach had picnic tables. The beaches are so different from our Florida beaches. Kalaloch lodge had a great restaurant also. Don’t forget binoculars. We had whale sightings while we were there. Did not seem like that long of a hike to ruby beach from where we parked. The hardest thing is climbing over all all the drift wood to the beach. A really fun adventure. Hope you enjoy.
MissPicky
Seattle, WA11 contributions
what is the best way to get to Ruby beach from Seattle?
haveboozewilltravel
California622 contributions
Take Interstate 5 south to Olympia then U.S. Route 101 to Olympic National Park and Ruby Beach. Depending on traffic it should take about 3 1/2 hours.
slmorriso
Oregon5 contributions
Can you park at/or near Ruby Beach overnight? (Not camping, just leaving a vehicle in this location)
coosbaygal
Upland, ca286 contributions
I think you could park overnight, I saw nothing that said you couldn’t. Plus there are restrooms in the parking lot I’m sure travelers stop all the time during the night.
madieshopper
Michigan164 contributions
Is there RV parking here for a few hours?
Otoolegirl
26 contributions
There isn’t specified RV parking but there are spaces, if available, that would accommodate one. That said the parking area gets packed quickly.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches?
susannah b
Bellingham, WA12 contributions
Yes they can!
Can I camp there?
earthwanderers
88 contributions
I'm not sure, I haven't seen a campground
Do I need to purchase a National Park pass to visit Ruby Beach?
javier g
Coral Springs, FL28 contributions
No park entrance fee
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruby Beach
- Hotels near Ruby Beach:
- (7.63 mi) Kalaloch Lodge Olympic National Park
- (7.07 mi) Kalaloch Campground
- (4.04 mi) Rain Forest Hostel
- (4.14 mi) Olympic Rain Forest & Beaches- adventures and memories to last a lifetime!
- (2.16 mi) Confluence Cabin