Ruby Beach - Washington, United States
Destruction Island off Ruby Beach - Western Olympic National Park, photo credits to my friend Austin Bourgeois (@austin.bourgeois.photography)
Accessibility 2/5
It is a bit of a hike to get out to Ruby Beach… from downtown Seattle it is just over a 3 hour drive and just over a hour and a half from Port Angeles. Once you get there, I found parking to be a bit of a hassle given the beach’s popularity. However, good news on this front, the Ruby Beach area is closed until September 16th to undergo renovations to the parking lot and adjacent road.
Privacy 4/5
Given the popularity of Ruby Beach as a highlight of the Olympic Peninsula, one might expect the privacy rating to be lower. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how private the beach felt for my friends and I. Once you get to walking a bit away from the parking lot, I found it was quite easy to get away from the main group of people and to have your own space.
Amenities 2/5
Ruby Beach is definitely a remote national park beach. There are campgrounds available at Kalaloch and South Beach along with some hiking trails at all three locations.
Beach Texture 3/5
The name “Ruby Beach” comes from the red minerals found in the sand there. The beach itself is littered with pebbles and drift wood, which is typical of beaches off the western coast of the Olympic Peninsula. You won’t find an abundance of smooth sand at Ruby Beach. Where you do, little pools of water left over from the tides and the occasional jellyfish can be found.
Sunset or Sunrise spot? 5/5
Ruby Beach in famous for its sunsets. In the state of Washington… I would imagine there are few better spots overlooking the Pacific Ocean to watch the sunset.
Overall ranking? 4/5
I loved my time there, I would absolutely go back should I have the chance and if I find myself with time on the Olympic Peninsula with good weather conditions again soon
