Ruby Beach reopens with upgrades after summer closure. Here’s what’s new
Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park reopened to visitors on Wednesday after a three-month closure.
The National Park Service closed the parking area and access road in June to allow for accessibility improvements, according to a Wednesday news release. The popular beach, which has ranked among the best beaches in the country, can be accessed via U.S. 101 on the Olympic Peninsula’s western coast.
Facility Manager Lisa Turecek said the improvements ensure everyone can experience Olympic National Park and connect with nature.
“We’re so happy to welcome visitors back to Ruby Beach, and we appreciate their patience during the summer closure,” Turecek said in a statement. “These new improvements to the Ruby Beach parking area, overlooks, and trailhead will improve accessibility and help preserve this beautiful area.”
Work crews graded and paved the parking area and the access road over the summer, according to the release. They also installed curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks and steps in compliance with Architecture Barriers Act Accessibility Standards.
Additionally, the beach features new signs, bicycle racks and pavement markings to make navigating the area easier. To reduce bluff erosion, crews added a new drainage system. Bathrooms also were painted and repaired, according to the release.
The National Park Service awarded 2Grade Excavation and Development LLC of Port Angeles a $910,985 contract to complete the improvements, the news release says.
This story was originally published September 14, 2022 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Ruby Beach reopens with upgrades after summer closure. Here’s what’s new."
