Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

Don’t take my word for it, listen to Lonely Planet, which included Washington State’s Ruby Beach on their 2025 list of the world’s best beaches, the only one from the United States to make the list!

No, it’s not a white sand beach, with warm turquoise water for swimming. Nevertheless, it’s a beauty, and I have pictures to prove it from various visits over the last few years.

Here’s what Lonely Planet had to say about it:

“Two miles south of the Hoh River and bordered by a rainforest, Ruby is a great introduction to Washington State and the United States’ Pacific Northwest. It looks like waters have lashed wildly against the shoreline here until trees have toppled and the sea are stacks found with a swirling froth crashing at their feet. It’s great for beachcombers – agates, garnets and sea glass all glitter in the sand – but there is treasure inside its tide pools, too. Anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish and skittering crabs, make it a wonderland for children and adults alike.”

I like the word “introduction” in the description above, because though I love Ruby Beach, I don’t think it’s more deserving than other Washington Coast beaches. Let’s compare to two others further north: Second Beach and Rialto Beach.

Second Beach – yes, that’s really the name – is also wild and scenic and requires a hike through the woods to get to it.

The reward at the end of the trail is worth it – smooth sand and sea stacks!

Rialto Beach, perhaps my favorite, is literally at the end of the road, primeval with its ghost logs and sea stacks, and hike to Hole-in-the-Wall.

There you have it: three marvelous wild Washington beaches that provide nature’s therapy and solitude. I’m glad Ruby made the list, if only as representative of the others.

~ Susanne