
Ruby Beach, within Olympic National Park, is a place where the Pacific's raw power is vividly on display. This black and white photograph highlights the beach's signature feature: massive, gnarled driftwood deposits, remnants of the region's ancient forests, carried to the shore by the Hoh and Quinault Rivers. The driftwood, smoothed by relentless wave action, creates a natural sculpture garden, with pockets of pebbles and stones adding to the textural richness. In the background, a low-lying fog, typical of the coastal climate, obscures the iconic sea stacks that dot this section of the park. These sea stacks, known as "needles," are remnants of harder rock left behind as the ocean eroded the softer surrounding cliffs. The nearby tree-capped islands are often nesting sites for seabirds, adding to the area's rich biodiversity. Ruby Beach's unique landscape, a blend of geological forces and natural debris, makes it a compelling subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, showcasing the dynamic interplay between land and sea.
Beaches - Coasts - Shorelines