Discover Day 2 as we visit the iconic Tree of Life at Kalaloch Lodge, stroll along the stunning Ruby Beach, navigate the rugged terrain of Rialto Beach, and end the day with a refreshing hike to the Devil’s Punchbowl at Lake Crescent. An exciting day of coastal adventures!
We planned our day around visiting the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula as we make our way from Quinault to Port Angeles!
Kalaloch / Tree of Life
Our second day began with a visit to Kalaloch to see the famous Tree of Life. We drove straight up the highway 101 and then found a nice parking lot at the Kalaloch campground. We went in the middle of the morning and found that it wasn’t extremely crowded – just a small crowd with their dogs since dogs are allowed on this beach where you’ll find the Tree of Life.
To get to the beach and see the tree, it’s just a very short easy trail downward from the parking lot. There are signs and dog poop bag stations as well, so you won’t get lost. Our furry companions must be on leashes though!
This unique tree, also known as the Kalaloch Tree, is perched precariously above a small cave, its roots exposed yet somehow thriving. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience and survival. Toby was fascinated by the tree and the surrounding area, enjoying the new environment and the salty sea air.
Ruby Beach
We then continued on highway 101 and headed to Ruby Beach, renowned for its stunning rock formations and driftwood. The beach gets its name from the reddish garnet fragments found in the sand.
Ruby Beach is a popular destination and was therefore more crowded during our visit. The parking lot here is much larger than the one at Kalaloch, but it still took us a bit of time to find a parking space. Once parked, we walked down towards the Ruby Beach Nature Trail. Conveniently, there is a public restroom at the start of this trail if you need a bathroom break.
The Ruby Beach Nature Trail is a short hike down to the beach, although it is a bit longer than the trail to the Tree of Life at Kalaloch. We saw plenty of people enjoying their day, hiking down and back up the trail, and making the most of their time at the Olympic Peninsula. The trail, with its scenic views and well-maintained path, added to the overall enjoyable experience at Ruby Beach.
Toby loved running on top of the rocks, exploring the tide pools, and climbing on the driftwood. The dramatic sea stacks and the rugged coastline provided a picturesque backdrop for our morning adventure. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks was both soothing and invigorating, making Ruby Beach a highlight of our trip. Remember though, the dogs need to stay on their leashes!
Rialto Beach
After Ruby Beach, we continued north and visited Rialto Beach, another gem of the Olympic coastline. The rugged landscape, with its dramatic sea stacks and pebble-strewn shore, offered a different yet equally captivating experience. The Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural arch formation, was a particularly intriguing sight. Toby enjoyed the challenge of navigating the rocky terrain and the fresh ocean breeze. Rialto Beach is part of the longest stretch of wilderness coastline in the lower 48 states, making it a truly unique destination.
Lake Crescent / Spruce Railroad Trail / Devil’s Punchbowl
Our last stop before arriving at Port Angeles was Lake Crescent, a pristine glacial lake known for its crystal-clear water and stunning depth. The drive from Rialto Beach to Port Angeles, passing by Lake Crescent was absolutely stunning.
We decided to park on the Beach Road by the Spruce Railroad Trailhead and enjoy a late afternoon walk on the Spruce Railroad Trail, which follows an old railroad grade along the lake’s shoreline. This is a well-maintained, paved trail but lengthy, so you could choose how long you want to walk down the trail before you turn around and head back.
We continued on the trail until we reached the Devil’s Punchbowl, a popular swimming hole with clear, inviting water. This swimming hole was crowded with people although it was getting pretty late in the afternoon.
The serene environment and the beautiful scenery made this a perfect end to our second day.