Location

The Ruby Beach lies along the shoreline of the Olympic National Park. This forms part of the Jefferson County of Washington, USA. The beach is about a quarter of a mile long.

Tourist attraction

Hikers coming to the Olympic National Park can enjoy the beauty of the beach here under conditions of low tide. During low tide one can sit on the many logs and admire the sea’s waves. But during high tide most of these logs of wood float around, some dashing against the rising rocks. There are some sea stacks rising out of the sand and these attract a lot of sea birds which make use of these rocks as a launch platform. The largest of these stacks is called the Abbey Island. This has some forest growth on it and it is supposed to be the breeding ground of the many sea birds that live here.

Apart from the sea stacks there are large rounded stones and pebbles on the wide sandy beach, some tide pools, and lots of driftwood. Surfing is possible during the summer months and is considered risky during the winter as the waves are rough and can crash the surfer on the logs, or against the rocks. There is not much one can do here except watch the storms of the Pacific during winter.

Best period to visit

Summer is the time when one can enjoy hiking through the forested trails along the beach. Winters are harsh here.

Access

The beach can be accessed while driving on the Highway 101. The highway runs near the beach for about a dozen miles but it is difficult to get a clear view of the beach from the thick forest growth.

Emergency services

For all emergencies including police, fire, and medical dial 911.

Lifeguard service

There are no lifeguards at the beach. Swimming here can be risky especially during high and low tides.

Police service

(360) 452 – 4545 - Chief of Police, Port Angeles Police Department,

321 E 5th St., Port Angeles, Washington 98362.

Fire service

(360) 417 – 4655 - Fire Chief, Port Angeles Fire Department,

102 E 5th St., Port Angeles, Washington 98362.