Visiting Kalaloch and Ruby Beach

Clouds reflect on sunset at Kalaloch Beach
Sunsets and clouds are incredible at Kalaloch Beach.

NPS Photo

Location

For thousands of marine species, these coastal waters are a safe haven. The marine environment and offshore islands are protected by three national wildlife refuges and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The refuges manage the islands visible above high tide waters for 135 miles along the coast. Large nesting colonies of birds like common murres and tufted puffins need these rocky outposts.

Kalaloch is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park. Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula. They are accessible directly off of Highway 101 (directions).

 
Anemones and seastars on Beach 4.
Seastars and anemones on a rocky outcrop at Beach 4.

Coutesy B. Baccus NPS Photo

Recreation

Hiking the southern coast of the Olympic Peninsula provides some amazing sights of the pristine beaches and marine wildlife. North of Ruby Beach, the Hoh River creates a natural boundary.

Kalaloch is a great place for bird watching. Western gulls, bald eagles, and other coastal birds can be spotted nesting and feeding along the southern coast. Beach 4 is an excellent location to tidepool looking for seastars, and anemones of various colors can be seen at low tides. When hiking the coast, always check the tides (current charts available at the Kalaloch Information Station). Certain areas may become impassable during high tides and overland trails must be used.

Places to Stay

Campgrounds at Kalaloch and South Beach are the only places to camp on the southern coast of Olympic National Park. Kalaloch is open year-round, and has 175 campsites, four of which are wheelchair accessible. Make sure to reserve a site as early on in the year as possible, as they fill up quickly and most are booked throughout the summer. South Beach, just south of Kalaloch, has about 50 campsites and is open Memorial Day - late September.Kalaloch Lodge, located right on the beach, has rooms and cabins available upon reservation. You can see the view from the Kalaloch Lodge by viewing their webcam!

Nearby Areas

To the north, the Hoh Rain Forest is about a 45-minute drive from Kalaloch. To the south, Queets a nd Quinault are only 30 miles away. Make sure to consult the Getting Around page for a table of the different mileages between park destinations.

 
Three people walk along a beach on a sunny day.
Learn more about Kalaloch and Ruby Beach

Learn more about the Kalaloch area, facilities, trails, camping, and regulations.

Two ochre sea stars on a rock.
Tidepooling

Olympic's rugged shoreline is rich with life. Where to go, when to go and tidepooling etiquette.

Brightly colored purple and orange sea urchins in a tidepool.
Life in Olympic's Tidepools

Discover the underwater world at Olympic National Park's tidepools!

Ruby beach on a sunny day.
Tides and Your Safety

Don't get trapped by a rising tide! Learn how to stay safe on Olympic's beaches here.

A person walking on the beach at sunset.
South Coast Route - Olympic Wilderness

Find out how to discover Olympic National Park's Wilderness Coast along the South Coast Route.

Last updated: November 8, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

600 E. Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362

Phone:

360 565-3130

Contact Us