The Ruby Beach parking area and access road at Olympic National Park has reopened after a three-month closure. 

Ruby Beach closed to the public in June to allow construction work to take place. The reopened Ruby Beach features significant improvements to accessibility, allowing visitors of all abilities to better access and use parking areas, overlooks, and facilities.  

Officials with Olympic National Park said the Ruby Beach parking area was reopened to the public Sept. 14.

As part of this project, the Ruby Beach parking area and its access road were graded and paved. Curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, and steps were installed, making this popular beach access area safer for visitors and in compliance with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards.

The work also included new signs, bike racks, and pavement markings, as well as a new storm drainage system to reduce bluff erosion. 

Nearby restrooms were painted and repaired as part of the project as well.

“We are so happy to welcome visitors back to Ruby Beach, and we appreciate their patience during the summer closure,” said facility manager Lisa Turecek. “Olympic National Park is a place for everyone to experience and connect with nature. These new improvements to the Ruby Beach parking area, overlooks, and trailhead will improve accessibility and help preserve this beautiful area.” 

The contract for this work was awarded to 2Grade Excavation & Development, of Port Angeles, Washington, for $910,985.  

Ruby Beach, located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula, receives approximately 225,000 visitors annually. A trailhead near the parking area leads to the scenic beach.