The West Coast: Ruby Beach – America’s Most Iconic Rock Formations

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Ruby Beach & Abbey Island

Travel Guides Beach Vacations

By Leslie Veliz/Sept. 20, 2023 11:00 am EST



Washington State’s Olympic National Park is a wonderland with wildlife and wilderness. Visitors here can hike or camp in the Hoh Rain Forest and get in touch with the Pacific Northwest’s remarkable nature. Olympic National Park also has a 73-mile coastline, where you’ll find Ruby Beach. Located off Highway 101, Ruby Beach is named after its red-colored sand. However, its claim to fame is its sea stacks. Sea stacks are cliffs found in or near the ocean created via erosion. Ruby Beach has several, including the massive Abbey Island.

Abbey Island, located north of Ruby Beach, is a sight to behold, attracting visitors from far and wide. Not only does it offer a breathtaking view, but it also provides a home for sea otters and migratory birds like common murres and pigeon guillemots. Upon closer inspection, you can spot starfish and mussels clinging to the sides of the sea stack, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. Another lesser-known sea stack stands close to Abbey Island and 20 feet from the ground. What it lacks in fame, it makes up for it through its spectacular photo offerings and lounging opportunities.

While Ruby Beach has scenic views, this is not an ideal place to lay out in the sand in a towel. Besides its sea stacks, pieces of driftwood and rocks litter the shore. Therefore, visitors must wear proper footwear, such as sneakers or shoes they don’t mind getting wet while exploring the beach. 

Ruby Beach has another breathtaking feature

Tide pools at Ruby Beach



Eric Michael Teitelman/Shutterstock

Ruby Beach is an ocean lover’s dream. When the tide is low enough, visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find they can get up close and personal with the sea stacks for photos. Likewise, they’ll find sea creatures, including starfish and anemones, in tide pools around the area.

That said, Ruby Beach has a perfect five-star rating from Tripadvisor, with many reviewers citing the tide pools, sea stacks, and dog- and child-friendliness as a draw. A visitor wrote of the beach, “We stayed a couple hours, just looking at the tide pools – admiring the starfish, mollusk, and urchins. The view was unbeatable. The rocks were amazing. It was just a great time building cairns and hanging out.” If you plan to drive to Ruby Beach, there is a parking lot. From there, it’s a short 0.25-mile hike down to the shore. To avoid big crowds, do not visit Ruby Beach and Olympic National Park in the summer. 

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While there might be a limited number of activities on Ruby Beach, other nearby tourist attractions exist. This includes Forks, Washington, a town made famous by the “Twilight” series. Ruby Beach is also close to La Push, a beach known for reliable surfing waves on the Olympic Peninsula.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.