Things to Do in Forks, WA
Forks is located a hour and a half from George Washington Inn, conveniently between the lush rain forests valleys and rugged Pacific Coast. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the full range of recreational opportunities. Within an hour of Forks, one can be strolling a rain forest trail, kayaking a tidal estuary, surfing a wilderness beach, soaking in natural hot spring waters or canoeing a clear blue glacier-carved lake. There’s endless things to do in Forks, WA.
From Coast to Forest
Sixty miles of protected coastline form the western boundary of the north Olympic Peninsula. Twenty-five miles south of Forks, Ruby Beach, Kalaloch and South Beaches beckon, and only 14 miles west, one can be at Rialto Beach or First Beach in La Push.
The dense rain forest valley of the glacier-fed Hoh river is a must see. The Hoh Rain Forest and the surrounding rain forests thrive sustained by 12 to 16 feet of rainfall a year, not including the 30 inches of tree drip from fog condensing in the canopy! The browsing herds of Roosevelt elk feed on the thick understory and keep it from obscuring the view.
The Hoh Visitor Center is the starting point for several walks under two miles, as well as longer and more challenging hikes to the glaciers and alpine meadows of Olympic National Park’s interior.
Picture: Ruby Beach, near Forks, WA
Home of Twilight
Visiting Forks and La Push, one will become immediately aware of the Twilight phenomenon resulting from a best-selling series of fictional books by author Stephenie Meyer. The popular series is based in Forks, drawing fans from around the world to see the places their favorite characters lived.
Start your tour at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center where a red truck, similar to the truck driven by Bella, one of the books’ main characters, is waiting along with a special map and tour packet. The Twilight Saga movie series were not filmed in the Forks area, but Forks is the place where the stories from the book series happen.
So Much To Do!
World-class fishing adventures await as vibrant runs of salmon and steelhead ply the Bogachiel, Hoh, Sol Duc and Calawah Rivers. Saltwater charters from La Push for salmon and bottom fish are available from May to September. Local guides, restaurants and inns cater to those fishing, with pre-dawn breakfasts and lunches packed to enjoy on the river. A surprising number of restaurants and gift shops can be found in Forks.
Timber harvest plays an important role in the community, augmented in the new millennium by technology. Be sure to visit the Forks Timber Museum at the South end of the town.
Savor the relaxed atmosphere of a town where folks still chat in grocery lines and stop for pedestrians. Bring a lightweight hooded jacket, comfortable shoes and a smile. While Forks gets 10 to 12 feet of rain a year, no one carries an umbrella!
Directions: About a 90 minute drive from the Inn, Forks offers something to do for everyone with so much to see in between!
Picture: LaPush, near Forks, WA