Ruby Beach

 

Ruby Beach is part of a detached portion of Olympic National Park It’s on the Pacific coast just off Route 101. There is good signage on route 101 where to turn off it is a short drive the the parking area. From there, walk down a dirt path to the beach. There is a lot of drift wood logs to hop over to get to the water. To the right of this trail is several sea stacks and a good area for exploring tide pools.

I really enjoy seeing these along the Pacific Coast. Ruby Beach has a large colony of these Anemones. They range in size but usually about the diameter of a baseball. They usually have green tentacles and I have come across ones that are red. Do not touch or disturb them. Only admire from the rocks and be careful where you step.

Ruby Beach also has a lot to offer, especially when the tide is out. This beach has an abundance of Cushion Starfish. They can be found close to the water line when the tide is out. Many times they are clumped together or trying to squeeze in the a crack. Here I spotted a reddish type and an orange variety. I thought this distinguished male and female but that is not the case. The white hard bumps on the exterior of the starfish are calcium deposits which act as a defense mechanism and also why they have the name “Cushion” as they resemble a pin cushion.
Do not touch or disturb the starfish. This is the case with any wildlife.

Be sure to have a tide chart. A photo copy is free at all the Olympic National Park visitor centers. Time your visit for when the tide is out! Also be mindful of when the tide starts coming in. You’ll notice it. Its not a real sudden occurrence.