Why Forks, Washington, a Gateway of Olympic National Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

If you are familiar with the “Twilight” Saga, you know Forks, Washington, is where you may just come across a vampire or a werewolf. However, if you are an outdoors lover like me, you’ll know Forks as one of the best gateway towns to Olympic National Park. While many people simply travel through, there is so much more to do and see here. In fact, Forks, Washington, is worth a visit in its own right.

Forks is a small town in Washington with approximately 3,500 people. Many people drive through this town on their way to popular attractions in Olympic National Park, such as the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Quinault, and Rialto Beach. It is an excellent base camp for an adventure within this national park, but it also offers so much more—you could spend a few days exploring this town all on its own.

Forks has many claims to fame. This town is located on the Olympic Peninsula, near the Olympic Mountains and bucket-list-worthy beaches. More than 200 miles of rivers wind through the area, many of which are home to salmon and steelhead fish. Forks also holds the title of the rainiest town in the contiguous U.S., receiving an average of 120 inches of rain each year.

While many people know Forks from the “Twilight” series, this town has quite a fascinating history. For hundreds of years, the Quileute tribe lived and thrived in the area. In the 1850s, the area was settled by fur trappers, and in the mid-1900s, it became extremely popular for its successful logging. In fact, it was nicknamed the “Logging capital of the world” and became a booming timber town.

Today, when you visit, you’ll immediately feel the small-town vibe. As you walk around the shops and businesses in town, you’ll meet smiling faces and be greeted with friendly hellos. I recommend you spend time immersing yourself in the area's unique culture and history by visiting Fork's many museums. The Forks Timber Museum, John’s Beachcombing Museum, and the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection are just a few fascinating places to spend a morning or afternoon. You should also take the well-known logging and mill tour, a free tour during the summer months that gives you a closer look at the importance of the region's logging industry.

Of course, you’ll want to spend time outdoors and in nature when in this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. You can always head into Olympic National Park to enjoy the breathtaking sights, hikes, and natural wonders found just a short drive outside of town. And make sure you spend time at the beautiful beaches nearby including Rialto Beach, First Beach, and Third Beach. If you visit Rialto Beach, lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Hole-in-the-Wall Trail. It’s a beautiful beach adventure but the hike is only accessible during low tide so plan accordingly.

If you time your visit just right, you can also attend one of the many events hosted in Forks. Throughout the year (almost every month of the year, in fact), there are events you don't want to miss, like the Open Air Market in the summer and the Forever Twilight in Forks Festival in September.

Forks, Washington, is more than a town known for vampires, werewolves, and Olympic National Park. It is a place full of history, culture, community, and recreation. It’s a place where you’ll want to stop and stay for a while—you won’t regret it.

For more information on exciting things to do and see in Forks, Washington, visit the Forks Chamber of Commerce website. And when you stay in this charming town, I recommend booking a local vacation rental. It’s a chance to visit this small town and feel like a local.