Permitted Pursuits

Beachcombing in Washington

1 verified location for beachcombing in Washington. Each page includes exact permit requirements, restrictions, and what to know before you go.

1 Prohibited

Loading map…

Prohibited

Ruby Beach

Washington, Jefferson·Beachcombing

Beachcombing is prohibited at Ruby Beach — every rock, shell, and piece of driftwood is protected under 36 CFR 2.1 inside Olympic National Park. The one exception most visitors never hear about: you can burn driftwood found on-site in a permitted beach campfire, you just can't carry any of it home.

  • No rocks, shells, driftwood, sea glass, or any other natural object may be removed from Ruby Beach — prohibited under 36 CFR § 2.1(a)(1)
  • Living tide pool organisms (sea stars, anemones, crabs) may not be collected, handled roughly, or removed under the same regulation