Everyone Always Goes to Ruby Beach in Washington: Go Here Instead

From mountains to beaches and everything in between, Washington State is famous for its natural landscapes. This can lead to crowds, especially in the summer, and beaches like Ruby Beach can draw in people from all over the country. But for those looking for a more uncrowded option, one of the best hidden beaches in Washington happens to be near Ruby Beach. In fact, they’re even part of the same Kalaloch Beach system.

What Makes This Underrated Beach in Washington Better

Most beaches on Washington’s Olympic Coast are more rocky than sandy, creating a unique, beautiful experience. But they are not exactly the stereotypical beach experience that many visitors might be expecting. This is not true of Kalaloch Main Beach, which is one of the few stretches of sand on the Olympic Coast. For those looking for uncrowded, calm, easy walks along the sand, this would be the place to do it. 

It also happens to be the location of one of the more unusual tree formations in the area—the Tree of Life. This is an old Sitka spruce tree that appears to hang between two rock formations, with its roots exposed and reaching outwards to ground it. The tree seems almost fully exposed and appears similar to tree symbols often seen in multiple cultures and religions—hence the "Tree of Life" moniker.

Then, in regard to the main beach and the additional beaches within the Kalaloch system, there are also excellent tidepooling and wildlife viewing opportunities. Of these, gray whales, bald eagles, starfish, tufted puffins, otters, crabs, seals, and sea anemones are the most sought after. It truly is a place where the wild ocean meets the shore. 

What to Expect When You Visit Kalaloch Main Beach

Visiting the Kalaloch beaches feels akin to flipping off a switch from the outside world, allowing oneself to be immersed in nature without the distractions of the internet, phone calls, or texting. It’s not particularly crowded, so there are fewer voices and more sounds of waves lapping and birds singing. To be more clear, the majority of the beaches have no signal or Wi-Fi options, but there is the Kalaloch Lodge for those who want a bit more of "modern" life with its many amenities. 

There are multiple beaches to choose from when visiting Kalaloch Beach, eight in total, each with its own pros and cons. The main Kalaloch Beach is where the lodge is, as well as the campground and the famous Tree of Life. It is the most accessible of the "true" Kalaloch beaches. The “true” refers to the fact that, ironically, Ruby Beach is part of the Kalaloch Beach area, but this is mainly a technicality, as both locals and tourists hold them as separate. 

In regard to the other beaches, both Beach 1 and Beach 2 are quiet stretches of sand, but Beach 1 requires a hike. Beach 3 and Beach 4 are best for tidepooling. Beach 6 is more of a local secret, requiring separate parking and a hike, and Beach 5 doesn’t exist, but there is a South Beach, with a separate campground. 

Is It Worth Skipping Ruby Beach?

Instead of skipping Ruby Beach entirely, it may be worth visiting both beaches. However, we recommend visiting with separate purposes and different expectations. Ruby Beach is beautiful in a more dramatic way than Kalaloch, besides the Tree of Life, of course. It has the shining red almandine garnets amidst the sand, giving it the name "Ruby" Beach, but there are also dramatic sea stacks and other, more rugged, features that make each picture seem like something out of a postcard. But aside from its one-of-a-kind views and some of the best beachcombing around, there are other options to consider.

Although casual beach visits, where one can drop in for a gorgeous view and relaxation, can be a blessing, some beaches require a little more planning. Ruby Beach is one such beach, offering unique activities and beautiful views, but also suffering the impact of crowds and lacking the peace that the other Kalaloch beaches have. Kalaloch Main Beach, by comparison, is a perfect secret beach in Washington to visit for those who want a quiet day, free from phones but full of nature's soundtrack.