| Forks, Washington Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| State | Washington, USA (Olympic Peninsula) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) |
| Daily Budget | $80 to $200+ per person |
| Best Time | June to September |
| Getting There | Seattle (SEA), about 3.5 hours by car |
Forks is a small logging town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula that became internationally famous as the setting for Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. But the real reason to visit Forks is its location. It sits at the doorstep of the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the continental United States, and within easy reach of some of the wildest Pacific coastline in the country. Rialto Beach, La Push, and the moss-draped old-growth forests of Olympic National Park are all within 30 minutes of town. Forks receives about 100 inches of rain per year, which is exactly what makes its surroundings so lush and otherworldly.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Forks, Washington
June through September is the driest window and the best time to visit. Even in summer, expect some clouds and occasional rain. July and August are warmest with highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s F. The rest of the year is wet and gray, though the rainforest is arguably most magical on misty, drizzly days. Winter brings the heaviest rain (December through February), shorter daylight hours, and some road closures in higher elevations of Olympic National Park. Spring (April to May) is a nice shoulder season with blooming wildflowers and fewer visitors.
Getting to Forks, Washington
The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), about 3.5 to 4 hours west by car. The drive takes you across the Puget Sound via ferry or around through Tacoma and Olympia, then west on US-101 through the Olympic Peninsula. A small regional airport at William R. Fairchild (CLM) in Port Angeles handles limited commuter flights. A rental car is absolutely essential; there is no public transit to or within Forks, and distances to trailheads and beaches are significant.
Top Things to Do in Forks, Washington
- Hoh Rainforest: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US. The Hall of Mosses trail (0.8 miles) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) are short, easy, and stunning. Giant Sitka spruce and bigleaf maples draped in moss. Olympic National Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle.
- Rialto Beach: A dramatic Pacific coastline beach about 15 miles west of Forks. Sea stacks, driftwood logs, and tidal pools. Hike north along the beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural arch in the rocks, about 1.5 miles each way.
- La Push Beaches: Three beaches (First, Second, Third Beach) on the Quileute Reservation. Second Beach is the most popular, a 0.7-mile trail through forest to a wild beach with sea stacks. Third Beach is longer and less crowded.
- Twilight Sites: For fans: Forks Visitor Center has a Twilight exhibit, and you can find Bella’s truck, the Cullen house location, and Forks High School sign. The town embraces its connection to the books.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs: Natural hot springs in Olympic National Park about 40 miles from Forks. Three mineral pools and a freshwater pool. Open seasonally (roughly late March through October). Day use fee plus park entry.
- Ruby Beach: One of the most photogenic beaches on the Olympic coast, with sea stacks, driftwood, and a creek flowing across the sand to the Pacific. About 30 miles south of Forks on US-101.
Where to Stay
Forks is a small town with limited accommodations. The Pacific Inn Motel and Forks Motel are reliable options on the main highway, ranging from $80 to $140 per night. Several Airbnb and VRBO cabins in the surrounding forest offer a more atmospheric experience. Kalaloch Lodge (about 35 miles south, inside Olympic National Park) has cabins with ocean bluffs and is worth the splurge. Camping is available at Hoh Rainforest Campground ($22 per night, first-come-first-served) and Mora Campground near Rialto Beach. Book ahead in summer as options are limited and popular.
Sample 2-Day Forks, Washington Itinerary
- Day 1 – Rainforest and Coast: Morning drive to Hoh Rainforest (about 30 minutes from Forks). Hike the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature trails. After lunch, drive to Rialto Beach and hike north to Hole-in-the-Wall at low tide. Return to Forks for dinner.
- Day 2 – Beaches and Hot Springs: Morning hike to Second Beach at La Push (about 20 minutes from Forks). Spend time exploring the sea stacks and tidal pools. Afternoon drive to Sol Duc Hot Springs for a soak, or south to Ruby Beach. Stop at the Forks Visitor Center for Twilight memorabilia if interested. Depart via US-101 south or east.
Budget Estimate
Forks and the surrounding area are reasonably affordable. Budget travelers can manage on $80 to $120 per day by camping, bringing food, and sticking to free trail hikes (park entry is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). Mid-range travelers should plan for $150 to $200 covering a motel or cabin, restaurant meals in Forks, and hot springs admission. Splurge options include Kalaloch Lodge cabins ($200 to $300 per night) with ocean views. There are few dining options in Forks itself. The Forks Outfitters and a few casual restaurants cover the basics. Bring snacks and water for trail days.
Planning Tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does it really rain that much in Forks?
Yes. Forks averages about 100 inches of rain per year, making it one of the wettest places in the continental United States. The driest months are July and August, when you might get several consecutive dry days. Even in summer, bring rain gear. The upside is that all that rain creates the spectacular moss-draped rainforests and lush green landscapes that make this area so unique.
Do I need to be a Twilight fan to enjoy Forks?
Not at all. The Twilight connection brings visitors to Forks, but the real draws are the Hoh Rainforest, the Pacific coastline, and Olympic National Park. These are world-class natural attractions that stand entirely on their own. The Twilight sites are a fun bonus, not the main event.
How many days do you need for the Forks area?
Two days covers the highlights: one day for the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach, another for La Push beaches and Sol Duc Hot Springs. If you want to explore more of Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge, the northern coast, Lake Crescent), plan for 3 to 4 days total on the peninsula.