The Area
We are so excited that you are visiting Forks, Washington. This 2,000 square mile area is bordered on the north and west by over 100 miles of saltwater shores, and to the south and east by alpine meadows and rain forest valleys and has over 200 miles of wild rivers that crisscross the region. The Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest, Pacific Ocean beaches, Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, and La Push are all just minutes away. Forks has been known as the Logging Capital of the World but in recent years, more for the Twilight saga. While the movies weren’t filmed here, the books are based on our town. So journey to Forks and discover for yourself the magic of the rainiest town in the contiguous United States, explore our rainforest and beaches, and – just maybe – catch a glimpse of a vampire or werewolf!
Webcams of popular locations are available here: http://forkswa.com/visiting-forks/webcamsontheolympicpeninsula
The Forks Chamber of Commerce posts local events going on here: http://forkswa.com/events/
Pacific Ocean Beaches
West of Forks explore wilderness beaches Rialto, Second Beach (great tidepools at low tide) and Third Beach. South of Forks – Ruby Beach is a beachcomber’s dream! Check out the unique windblown trees and “tree of life” at Kalaloch. Also check out beach 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6! For information on tides click http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/tides-and-your-safety.htm.
Elk Creek Conservation Trail
A great little hike near the house. Great to get out those kid wiggles or get a little mossy/flowing stream Zen with a couple of hills. https://northolympiclandtrust.org/our-work/projects/elk-creek- conservation-area/
Fishing
Float one of our world-class rivers, like the Sol Duc, Bogachiel or Hoh with one of our many guides. Salmon, steelhead and trout are abundant in our area depending on the season.
Take an ocean charter that departs from La Push and fish for halibut, bottomfish, salmon and lingcod.
Hoh Rainforest
Hike the trails in the rain forest and see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Trails range from 1/10 mile to 17.3 miles. Bike, Kayak or Raft – All equipment is available to rent locally or go with a guide.
Visit the Sv. Nikolai Expedition 1808 – An interpretive center marking the events surrounding the Russian ship, the Saint Nikolai (Sv. Nikolai) that went aground in 1808. Located just past the Hard Rain Café.
Olympic National Forest
Hike through the lush rainforest at the Bogachiel Rain Forest Trail that connects to the Hoh. At Mount Muller Trail you can enjoy hiking, riding, mountain biking and scenic views. The Kloshe Nanitch Trail accesses Kloshe Nanitch Lookout and links the west side of the Sol Duc Valley via Snider Ridge to Mt. Muller Loop Trail. Opportunities include day hikes, mountain bike riding, observing diverse wildflowers and wildlife, and viewing dramatic scenery such as Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Valley and Mt. Olympus. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recreation/recarea/?recid=79331
Lake Ozette
Hike Cape Alava and/or Sandpoint Trails at Lake Ozette. Connect the two with a 3.1 mile hike on the beach to make a nine mile loop and see Native American Petroglyphs on the Rocks along the Beach.
Lake Crescent & Sol Duc Falls
Hike to Marymere Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl, Storm King, Sol Duc Falls/Hot Springs, see the Salmon Cascades where the salmon swim up the falls to spawn or go for a swim or rent a kayak and explore this mysterious lake.
La Push: Home to the Quileute Tribe
Experience First Beach where you can take a leisurely walk, see James Island, whale watch or for the more adventuresome – surf or kayak. The Quillayute River offers a serene estuary and its inhabitants, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, otters, salmon and more! The Quileute Marina, where many charter fishing boats are moored, is located on the mouth of the Quillayute River and is another great place to spot wildlife.
Forks Logging Heritage
Logging and Mill Tour – See real ax men in action! These tours are free and go to an actual logging site, a working mill and more. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Require reservation (tours on Wednesday’s May-Aug) https://forkswa.com/things-to-do/logging-mill-tour/
Forks Timber Museum – located next to the Visitor Information Center, has many artifacts and historical items. Visit the museum to see how Forks came to be the Logging Capital of the World.
John’s Beachcombing Museum
‘Treasure’ from around the world! Since 1976 the beachcombing museum has built up its exhibits until today where tons of items have been collected off of beaches both local and distant and put on display. Museum Hours vary, please call to confirm. 360-640-0320
*A Must See if open
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery – the most NW point in the contiguous United States.
Twilight
Do a guided (or self-guided) Twilight tour. https://forkswa.com/twilight/
Clallam Bay, Sekiu & Neah Bay
Visit Clallam Bay, Sekiu and Neah Bay – home of the Makah People and the Makah Museum. All of these quaint seaside communities offer great fishing opportunities!
