Did not hike the entire trail due to tides and fast flowing streams preventing us going further. Explored the beach for about 1/2 mile south. Saw common murres and black oyster catchers on rock outcroppings. Could see destruction island and lighthouse with binoculars in distance. Arrived around 10:30 AM and parking lot had plenty of spaces but was filling up by the time we left around noon. A bit foggy in morning but clearing by time we left. Beautiful area.

Gorgeous beach walk with excellent opportunities for seeing cool rock formations and colorful sea life. This is a fantastic hike for families who want a relaxed outdoor experience with lots to see and explore.

The parking lot was a zoo when we arrived, but we miraculously found a spot right near the path that leads down to the shoreline. There is a privy at the trailhead but the line was about 15 people deep when we arrived. 

The path down to the beach is a bit steep but short. You'll be on sand in no time. We spent a good amount of time strolling the beach, checking out tide pools, climbing on rocks, and watching the surf. One of the loveliest beaches along the Washington coast imho.  

Trip report for Monday, July 7, 2025 to Ruby Beach, and Beach 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Made a day doing five mini-hikes along the Kalaloch Beach area and Forks on a foggy Monday. Started north at Ruby Beach about 1:45pm in the afternoon. It was crazy crowded at Ruby Beach for a Monday (granted, however, it’s summer in July). Parking lot full and lines at the restrooms. The short trail to the beach is in good shape. The beach is still beautiful with all the shifting logs and rocks from the last winter storms, but got out of there quick with all the crowds and found peace and quiet at all the other nearby beaches and trails.

Keep in mind, all of the trails to these beaches are short – like not even a quarter mile to get to the beach. Started north working south at Beach 4. It has a large parking lot and pit toilets available - take advantage of this because neither are at any of the other beaches listed below. Beach 4 has stairs leading to the beach and the bridge. A rope is attached to the bridge to help you down, but really it’s not necessary if you’re conditioned, and it’s a short distance down the rocks to the sand. The beach is lovely here - walked north to the point for tide, pulling, and rock hopping.

Then drove a short distance to Beach 3, this trail switchbacks to a quick descent to the beach. There are a couple of faded but informative signs describing the area. Once down at the beach, there are some very cool rock formations that I was able to walk on and around during the low tide.

Continuing on down to Beach 2, look for the trail sign right before the guard rail. A quick few steps to the beach and loads of rocks (like Ruby Beach) greet you - and amazing logs and huge tree stumps along the beach as well.

Finally, Beach 1 also has easy access and immediately starts in a short burl tree forest loop. Amazingly strange and beautiful trees in my opinion. A trail then takes you down the stairs and across the bridge to the beach. You have to do some climbing over our logs, (so be careful because they can get loose) to reach the beach. Very stunning area with wind trees along the ridge here.

Side note - Beaches 1 - 3 really don’t have parking. They are just turnouts for no more than four or five cars right on Highway 101 so be careful. I lucked out late in the afternoon on a Monday & I was able to get access every time I stopped, but I can’t imagine on the weekends. If you can get parking, it’s worth a quick trek to get to these beaches. They are all beautiful.

From the parking lot, a short downhill trail to the beach, with some large driftwood trees that need to be climbed over to reach the beach. It's a rocky beach, and because the tide was already coming in, I only went about 3/4-1 mile along it. Lots of driftwood and sea stacks make for some cool pictures, as did the foggy conditions when I was there. Pit toilets at the parking lot were pretty clean and had toilet paper (I had my own sanitizer, so I don't know if the dispenser worked).

Heading down to Kalaloch after a day on the coast, I stopped by Ruby Beach to explore.  The creek crossing is much wider/deeper than in years past. With the current, the logs placed across it have limited stability.  Be careful if choosing to cross one of them vs wading through.  Enjoy!