Forks is a city in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. This little charming town of 3,300 people (2020) serves primarily as a hub for visitors exploring the beaches and mountains of Olympic National Park. Forks is the rainiest town in the contiguous U.S., averaging 120 in (3,000 mm), which led to it becoming well-known as the setting of the Twilight saga.
Due to its distance, attractions in the Quillayute area, including La Push, are included here.
Get in
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By car
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US-101 is the main route through the town. Forks is about 77 miles (124 km) (roughly 90 minutes) west of Port Angeles, 2 hours north of Aberdeen and Hoquiam, and at least 4 hours from Seattle.
By bus
[edit]- 1 Forks Transit Center, 551 S Forks Ave (along US-101 (Forks Ave) on the corner of "E" St, south of the high school.). Bus stop for Clallam Transit and Jefferson Transit.
Buses travel more or less along US-101 and do not go into the Olympic National Park itself, such as Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center or the Olympic National Forest. They can only drop off along the road, and you have to hike into the park.
- Clallam Transit, ☏ +1 360-452-4511, toll-free: +1-800-858-3747. Operates public transit bus services in Clallam County, which Forks is located within.
The following routes operate Monday to Saturday:
- Route 14 from Port Angeles, a regional transit hub
- Route 15 from La Push, three trips daily
- Route 16 from Neah Bay via Sappho, Clallam Bay
- Jefferson Transit-Olympic Connection. Travels along US-101 between Forks and Amanda Mercantile at Amanda Park on Mondays through Saturdays. Connection with Grays Harbor Transit Rt #50 to Hoquiam & Aberdeen from Amanda Park. Passengers can also transfer buses in Aberdeen to continue further south along the coast or east towards Olympia and Shelton.
- Rocket Transportation, toll-free: +1-877-697-6258. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. Door to door service in the Olympic Peninsula (Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks) from Sea-Tac. $66-150 one way, 30% discount for additional persons with one full fare passenger.
By plane
[edit]Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA IATA), the nearest commercial airport to Forks, is 4 hours away.
The Forks Airport (FAA LID: S18) (for general aviation only) is 1-mile (1.6 km) south of the city. While there is no commercial air traffic, the airport has a lot of general aviation traffic every day.
An alternative is Quillayute Airport FAA LID: UIL, 10 mi (16 km), 20 minutes to the west of Forks, which has quieter traffic but a longer runway.
By bicycle
[edit]The Olympic Discovery Trail passes through Forks, from Port Townsend in the east part of the peninsula to La Push on the Pacific Ocean. West of Port Angeles is the "adventure" part of the trail, for which a cross-country mountain bike is recommended. The trail is non-technical single track, making it an introductory level XC, challenging but doable on a loaded touring bicycle.
Get around
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The town of Forks is compact and can be easily covered on foot.
By car
[edit]The local roads are designed more or less around a grid system, where most roads are numbered based on their distance from the city center. Addresses also conform to the numbering of the roads around them. Nearly all streets run with the compass directions. Forks Ave (US-101) divides east from west while Division St divides north from south.
By bus
[edit]- Clallam Transit Interlink. On-demand transportation that allows customers to book a shared trip.
See
[edit]- 1 Forks Chamber of Commerce, 1411 S Forks Ave (Outside Forks Airport), toll-free: +1-800-443-6757. Summer: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. The tourist center to Forks, visitors can pick up guides here for lodging, shopping, activities and dining. There are logging tours each Wednesday at 9AM that last three hours. Outside the Chamber of Commerce is a replica of "Bella's Truck" from Twilight. Free.
- 1 Forks Timber Museum, 1421 S Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-9663. May-Sep: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM; Oct-Apr: M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Before Forks was known for Twilight, it has been a sleepy town known for its timber and farming industry. Here you can see the machines used for the process up close. $3, free for 12 and under.
Twilight
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Forks is the key setting of the Twilight series of novels and movies by author Stephenie Meyer; the constant rain provides cover for a family of sparkling vampires, as well as a community of werewolves. The novel series has sold over 160 million books since 2005. Five movies, released from 2008 to 2012, grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Several sites in town are featured in the novels, and a few sites made it into the films, which were largely shot elsewhere.
- 2 Forks High School, 191 S Spartans Ave (at junction with C), ☏ +1 360-374-6262. While not open to the public, the school is the setting for Bella and Edward's school in Twilight. The school sign was replicated for the movie and is popular with visitors for photos. Filming of the school took place at Kalama High School in Kalama, WA for the exterior scenes while some of the interior shots like the cafeteria was filmed at Madison High School in Portland. In New Moon (2009) the school scenes were filmed at David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver, BC. Other interior scenes of the high school were also filmed in Saint Helens, Oregon and Pasadena, California too.
- 3 Forks Community Hospital, 530 Bogachiel Way (At junction with 5th), ☏ +1 360-374-6271. The workplace of Edward Cullen's father in the Twilight series, there is a reserved spot in the parking lot for Dr Cullens. The filming scenes for the emergency room, hallway outside of emergency, and later when Bella is actually in a hospital room was filmed at Vibra Specialty Hospital in Portland. Interior access to either Forks Community Hospital or Vibra is limited.
- 4 Forks City Police Department, 500 E Division St (At junction with Camas). This is the setting in Twilight for the workplace of Bella's father Charlie Swan. The filming location for the police station is at the Wauna Credit Union Building (1010 Bridge St) in Vernonia, Oregon.
- 5 Cullen House (Miller Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast), 654 E Division St (Just past Forks City Hall), ☏ +1 360-374-6806. 10AM - 4PM. Similar to the written description offered by author Stephenie Meyer in her first "Twilight" book (page 321), the house is nearly "a hundred years old... painted a soft, faded white, three stories tall", with a "porch... wrapped around the first story". The public is welcome on the front porch for a free view of the note left by Esme. Inside photo opportunities of the graduation caps and Carlisle's Office are available for $3 per person. In the movie the Cullen House was exaggerated in a private residence in Portland (3333 NW Quimby) while in New Moon the Cullen House is in another private residence in West Vancouver BC (118 Stevens Dr). (The filming locations are in privates residences. Please respect the privacy of the occupants).
- 6 Swan House, 775 'K' St. Bella & her father Charlie Swan are described to live here in the novel. Bella's house in Forks is a private residence and offer no public tour inside. It can only be seen from the outside. The filming location for the Swans House in 2008 was filmed in Saint Helens, Oregon; 30 miles (48 km) north of Portland at 184 S 6th St. The "Swan House" in St Helens is available for rent to travelers on a short term basis on Air BnB. In New Moon (2009) the Swan House was recreated on a vacant lot in Surrey, BC which was torn down after filming.
- Forever Twilight in Forks, 11 N Forks Ave. Winter: F Sa noon – 4PM (last entry at 3:30PM) Summer: Th-M noon – 4PM (last entry 3:30PM). A small museum featuring props from the Twilight saga and fan-made items. Free (donations appreciated).
Do
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Forks is a transit point for travelers exploring Olympic National Park, especially the Hoh Rainforest area, the Pacific beaches, and Lake Ozette. If you wish, you can visit all of them in a single day!
Within Olympic National Park
[edit]- Main article: Olympic National Park
- 1 Rialto Beach (13 miles (21 km) W on WA-110 and Mora Rd). An iconic beach with lines of sprawling sea stacks. The lines of sand has an access to Little James Island and has a view of the La Push Marina.
- 2 Second Beach (13 miles (21 km) W on WA-110, trailhead at La Push Rd). Fabulous 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk on a safe easy path through beautiful tall trees to Tealwhit Point. Great beach, tide pools and driftwood.
- Third Beach (11 miles (18 km) W on WA-110, trailhead at La Push Rd, noticeable from pullover area). A quieter beach accessible after a 1.5-mile (2.4 km)-hike. No seastacks but wide enough for camping.
Elsewhere
[edit]- Elk Creek Conservation Area, 2156-2290 Calawah Way, ☏ +1 360-417-1815. A 3-mile (4.8 km) hiking trail near the town.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Forks Outfitters, 950 S Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-6161. Daily 8AM-9PM. The only grocery store in the city, cheaper wine but equivalent quality to big chains. Also houses an Ace Hardware and sporting goods.
- Native to Twilight, 10 N Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-2111. Su-Th 9:30AM-7PM, F Sa 9:30AM-7:30PM. Local art & craft and souvenirs from Forks, including thematic items related to the Twilight saga.
Eat
[edit]- 1 South North Gardens, 140 Sol Duc Way, ☏ +1 360-374-9779. Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-8PM. Decent Chinese food option in this small city. Offers both family and individual combos, and a wide array of both meat-based and vegetarian-based main courses. Popular as a to-go option. Up to $11.
- In Place, 320 S Forks Ave, Forks, ☏ +1 360-374 4004. Daily 6AM-6PM. Diner style restaurant that also offers assorted breakfast plates, burgers and sandwiches. From $7.
- Pacific Pizza, 870 S Forks Ave, Forks, ☏ +1 360-374-2626. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Provides not only pizza, but also sandwiches and pasta, including its special black angus beef tips. Pizza from $8, mains from $10.
- Sully's Burgers, 220 N Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-5075. M-Sa 11AM-8PM. A small restaurant with extensive choices of burgers. Gluten free options available. Burger from $3.50.
- D&K BBQ, 275 N Forks Ave, ☏ +1 210-683-5357. F-Tu noon-7:30PM. A small shack serving Southern Texas style hardwood smoked barbecue. To-go only. Combos from $12, meat from $5 per 1/4 lbs.
Drink
[edit]- Westend Taproom Tip and Sip, 70 A St SW, ☏ +1 360-374-7410. Th 3-8PM, F 3-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su-M 3-7PM. A small bar featuring tap beer or flights. Also sells sandwiches if you crave for something more substantial. Beers $2-6, Sandwiches $9.
Sleep
[edit]In addition to the usual bed & breakfast and motels, vacation homes are also up for grabs in the summer, perfect for groups.
Bed and breakfast
[edit]- 1 Miller Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast, 654 East Division St (6 1/2 blocks east of Forks' only Hwy 101 stoplight), toll-free: +1-800-943-6563. Check-in: 4:30-7:30PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic 1916 farm house with 8 guest rooms, all with private baths and TV/DVDs. Two rooms have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, while the Orchard Suite also features a small kitchen. The inn plays the part of the Twilight Series' Cullen House, which however looks nothing like the Hollywood version, which is located in Portland, OR. Hearty breakfasts, soft drinks, cookies, wireless internet and parking included. $115-$235.
- 2 Misty Valley Inn Bed & Breakfast, 194894 Highway 101 N (2 miles (3.2 km) north of Forks on Hwy 101), ☏ +1 360-374-9389. Check-in: 4:30-10PM, check-out: noon. A stone and cedar home nestled on a ridge in the rain forest overlooking the Sol Duc River Valley. Antique furniture and collectibles are set off by the hand rubbed natural woods, rock work and unusual lighting. Guests can select their own menus and meal times, in addition to a wake-up call. All rooms have private baths. The gardens feature plants accented with seasonal flowering perennials and annuals, with an adjacent outdoor spa. A dessert and beverage bar is available to guests in the afternoon into the evening. $85-170.
Motels
[edit]- 3 Forks Motel, 351 S Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-6243, toll-free: +1-800-544-3416. Check-in: 3-10PM, check-out: 11AM. A large motel at the heart of the town. Old interior. Ample outdoor area for BBQ and a swimming pool. Winter from $65, Summer from $90.
- 4 Pacific Inn Motel, 352 S Forks Ave, ☏ +1 360-374-9400. Check-in: 3PM, obtain key after office closes at 10PM, check-out: noon. A small motel at the heart of the town, across the Forks Motel. All rooms have air-conditioning. A few rooms are Twilight-themed, with black and red interior, even into the towels. Spotty Wi-Fi. In-house self laundromat available. Winter from $70, Summer from $105.
Camping
[edit]Campgrounds, especially in the Olympic National Park grounds, are ubiquitous.
Go next
[edit]Explore Olympic National Park:
- Hoh Rainforest is one of the lushest temperate rainforests in North America. The entrance into the park is 18 mi (29 km) south of town along US-101, then another 13 mi (21 km) to the visitors center.
- Kalaloch, to the south, features a park lodge, a campground, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue along US-101:
- Neah Bay and Cape Flattery is the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States.
- Port Angeles is the largest city in the Olympic Peninsula, just an hour drive away northbound on US-101.
- Queets is a small town about 40 miles (64 km) south of Forks along US-101, on the border of the Quinault Indian Nation.
- Aberdeen is the birthplace of "grunge" music.
Round out your Twilight tour:
- La Push is the home of the Quileute Tribe in the stories. It is 14 miles (23 km) west of Forks along State Route 110.
- Parts of the story were also set in Port Angeles.
- Actual filming of Twilight (2008) took place in Portland, and Twilight: New Moon (2009) was filmed in Vancouver, BC. Other locations in British Columbia, Oregon and Washington state were also used to depict the settings of the story in both films.
- Later scenes for Volterra in New Moon were filmed in Montepulciano, Italy.
| Routes through Forks |
| Aberdeen ← Hoquiam ← | S  E
|
→ Lake Crescent/Marymere Falls → Port Angeles |
| La Push ← Second Beach ← | W  E
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→ ENDS at
|