Few experiences in Olympic National Park rival watching the sunset at Ruby Beach. As the sun dips toward the Pacific horizon, it paints the sky in brilliant shades of gold, amber, and fiery orange, casting a warm glow across the dramatic sea stacks and rugged coastline. Towering Sitka spruce and hemlock trees frame the view like natural sentinels, their silhouettes striking against the glowing sky, while gentle waves lap at the shore strewn with massive driftwood and tide pools. The iconic sea stacks rise from the surf, creating one of the most photographed scenes on the Washington coast. Whether you’re strolling the beach or perched on the overlook, Ruby Beach delivers a front-row seat to nature’s most breathtaking evening show.
Visiting Ruby Beach for sunset is easy and incredibly rewarding. Located just off Highway 101 near the town of Forks, the short, accessible trail from the parking area leads you straight to this wild Pacific shoreline. Arrive early to claim a prime spot among the wildflowers and coastal shrubs—spring and summer bring lush greenery that contrasts beautifully with the sunset colors, while fall and winter often offer dramatic stormy skies. Don’t forget a headlamp for the walk back, binoculars for spotting seabirds, and a jacket for the cooling ocean breeze. Ruby Beach sunsets perfectly capture the raw beauty of Olympic National Park, making it an unforgettable stop for photographers, romantics, and nature lovers alike. Plan your visit around low tide for the best access to the beach and tide pools.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, is one of America’s most remarkable natural treasures. Spanning nearly one million acres, it protects three distinct ecosystems within a single park: glacier-capped mountains, temperate rainforests, and a wild Pacific coastline. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Olympic showcases rugged beauty found nowhere else—ancient rainforests drenched in over 12 feet of annual rainfall, subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and dramatic rocky shores pounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights include the popular Hurricane Ridge for sweeping mountain views, the lush Hoh Rain Forest with its Hall of Mosses trail, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Lake Crescent, and miles of pristine coastline. The park’s diversity supports abundant wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, and rich marine life in its tide pools.
Visitor Information
Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, though some roads and facilities have seasonal closures (especially in winter). The main Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles is open daily (9 a.m.–5 p.m. in summer; shorter hours otherwise) and offers exhibits, films, maps, and ranger advice.
Entrance Fees (as of 2026):
Standard vehicle pass: $15–$30 (good for 7 days)
Olympic Annual Pass: $55
America the Beautiful passes honored
The park does not accept cash at entrances—purchase passes online in advance via Recreation.gov to reduce wait times.
Summer (June–September) is the busiest and driest season, ideal for high-country access. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, while winter brings dramatic storms to the coast but possible snow at higher elevations. Always check current conditions, road status, and weather on the official NPS website (nps.gov/olym) before visiting.
Camping, lodging (like Kalaloch Lodge), and wilderness permits are available—reservations are strongly recommended for popular sites. Pets are allowed in some areas but not on most trails.
Ruby Beach: A Coastal Jewel
One of the park’s most iconic and photographed spots, Ruby Beach sits along the southern coast in the Kalaloch area, easily accessible off Highway 101. A short, easy trail (about 0.5 miles round-trip, with some stairs) descends through coastal forest to a dramatic shoreline featuring massive sea stacks, tide pools, driftwood sculptures, and pebble-strewn beaches.
Named for the reddish hue of its sand and stones at certain times, Ruby Beach is especially magical at sunset, when the sky ignites in golds and oranges behind the offshore rock formations. It’s excellent for beachcombing, tidepooling (at low tide), and photography. Nearby Kalaloch offers camping, a lodge, and more beach access. Always consult tide charts for safety—high tides can cut off sections of the beach.
Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, rainforest tranquility, or coastal drama, Olympic National Park delivers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest adventure. Plan ahead, practice Leave No Trace principles, and prepare for changeable weather to make the most of your visit.
