Forks Travel Guide

City Rainy Olympic Peninsula town, setting for Twilight novels

On the Olympic Peninsula, Forks sits under rain-heavy firs and markets fishing charters, clamming and access to Rialto and La Push beaches. Tourists arrive for rainforest trails, Olympic National Park spurs and - occasionally - Twilight lore.

Costs

Around $80-140 per day

Expect $80-140/day; prices rise in summer and on holiday weekends.

Safety

Safe but very wet seasonally

Safe small community; heavy rain and storm-season closures are the main concerns.

Best Time

June to September

June-September for drier weather and easier access to parks and beaches.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

10:57 AM

GMT-7

Weather

58°F

Clear

Population

3,747

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transit; car required for most sites though downtown is walkable.

Popularity

Small town with a big profile thanks to Twilight; draws nature lovers and fans alike.

Known For

Twilight novel setting, Olympic National Park access, temperate rainforests, nearby La Push beaches, salmon fishing, logging history, rainforest hiking, Quileute culture, coastal drives

Forks became an international tourist magnet after it was used as the setting for Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels.

Why Visit Forks? #

Rainforest, surf and cinematic fame make Forks unexpectedly appealing: it’s the gateway to the Hoh Rainforest and nearby Rialto Beach and La Push, and it also draws Twilight fans to the settings behind the stories. Fishing guides, river floats on the Bogachiel and local Quileute culture add layers beyond the books. Accommodation ranges from rustic cabins to cozy inns, lending the place an outdoors-first personality.

Best Things to Do in Forks

All Attractions ›

Forks Timber Museum

Museum preserving local logging and timber history

Museum

Hole-in-the-Wall

Sea arch and coastal cliff formation on Washington coast

Arch

Forks Bucket List

Don't Miss

Forks Timber Museum - Discover local logging history and rotating exhibits at the Forks Timber Museum downtown.
Rialto Beach - Walk driftwood-strewn shores and see sea stacks at Rialto Beach's dramatic coastline.
Hoh Rainforest (Olympic National Park) - Hike moss-draped trails through ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock in Hoh Rainforest.
First Beach (La Push) - Walk broad sandy shores and watch surfers at La Push's First Beach access.

Hidden Gems

Lake Crescent - Swim or paddle clear waters and hike Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent.
Bogachiel River valley - Fish, hike, or birdwatch along the peaceful Bogachiel River valley close to Forks.
Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge - Explore tidepools and seabird colonies within sections of the Quillayute Needles refuge.
Twilight fan tours - Take a Twilight fan tour to see filming locations and local movie ties.

Day Trips

Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park) - Drive to Hurricane Ridge for alpine meadows, short hikes, and panoramic mountain views.
Sol Duc Hot Springs - Soak in mineral pools and hike to Sol Duc Falls surrounded by evergreen forest.
La Push and Quileute village beaches - Visit La Push beaches and the Quileute village to learn coastal Indigenous culture.

Best Time to Visit Forks #

Forks is a temperate rainforest - expect frequent rain and mossy green landscapes most of the year. Visit in summer for the driest, coolest conditions; winters are wet and stormy but spectacularly atmospheric.

Rainy Season

October - May · 5-12 °C (41-54 °F)

Persistent drizzle and heavy forest rain; everything is green and dramatic, but outdoor plans require waterproof gear and flexible scheduling.

Summer

June - September · 12-18 °C (54-64 °F)

Cool, mostly cloudy but much drier - best time for hiking, beaches and sea kayaking without the constant rain and crowds.

Winter

December - February · 3-10 °C (37-50 °F)

Mild temperatures but very wet and windy; dramatic storms and high surf make for atmospheric stays, not sunbathing or beach swimming.

Best Time to Visit Forks #

Climate

Forks's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (2950 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good

Best Time to Visit

AugustJulySeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

34°

Warmest Month

-10°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

401 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.8h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (359 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

1° – 10°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

359 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (324 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

2° – 11°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

324 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (226 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

3° – 14°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

226 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

5° – 17°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

150 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

14.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

8° – 19°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

93 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

15.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

10° – 21°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

15.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

10° – 22°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

8° – 21°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

115 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (272 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

5° – 15°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

272 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (426 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 10°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

426 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (446 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

446 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.3h daylight

How to Get to Forks

Forks sits on the northwestern Olympic Peninsula and is most easily reached by road from Seattle (SEA) or by regional bus from Port Angeles. The town has no commercial air service and no passenger rail; driving or regional bus/shuttle are the practical choices.

By Air

Quillayute Airport (CLM / 0W8 area airfield): The small Quillayute/Clallam County airport near La Push/Forks is a general aviation field with no regular commercial service; transfers from the airfield to Forks are short taxi or private car rides.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA is the principal major airport for reaching the Olympic Peninsula; driving from SEA to Forks takes about 3.5-4.5 hours depending on route and traffic (ferry options may be used to shorten driving time across Puget Sound). Rental cars or regional shuttles from Seattle to Forks are common during tourist season; plan for a multi‑hour road trip.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no Amtrak service to Forks. The Olympic Peninsula is not well served by intercity passenger rail; trains stop on the east side of Puget Sound but not to Forks.

Bus: Clallam Transit operates bus routes across the north Olympic Peninsula, including service between Port Angeles and Forks; single fares are low (typically a few dollars). Regional private shuttle operators and seasonal tourist shuttles also run between Port Angeles, Forks and nearby trailheads - useful if you prefer not to drive.

How to Get Around Forks #

Forks’ downtown is compact and easy to walk; many visitor services and Twilight-related attractions are within a short stroll. A car is useful for reaching nearby beaches, state parks and rainforest trails. Public transit is limited to regional bus runs; taxis and rideshare may be unreliable, so plan drives or tours ahead. Biking can work for short trips around town.

Where to Stay in Forks #

Budget

Downtown Forks - $70-120/night

Forks' budget scene is primarily motels and small inns; limited choices but practical for Olympic National Park visitors.

Pacific Inn Motel (Forks) - Basic rooms, central Forks location
Ocean View Motel - Affordable, near town services

Mid-Range

Coastal area / nearby parks - $120-200/night

Mid-range options include coastal lodges and established inns that offer more comfort and proximity to the park; choices increase seasonally.

Kalaloch Lodge (nearby) - Cozy lodge on the coast, park access
Forks mid-range motels and B&Bs - Comfortable, locally run accommodations

Luxury

Coastline / Olympic NP - $200+/night

There are few true luxury hotels in Forks; higher-end stays are coastal or park lodges nearby rather than inside town.

Quileute Oceanside Resort (La Push area) - Premium beachfront cottages nearby
Premium park lodges (Olympic NP area) - Upscale rooms with natural surroundings

Where to Eat in Forks #

Rainforest Cafés & Seafood

Rainforest-adjacent town with casual cafes and seafood spots; visitors find fresh salmon, halibut, coffee shops and Twilight-themed cafes catering to tourists.

Casual & Tourist-Friendly

Most eateries are relaxed and welcoming, offering pies, sandwiches and plate lunches suited to hikers and film-fans exploring the surrounding forest.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Forks's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Mexican

Burger

Chinese

Regional

Sandwich

Nightlife in Forks #

Evenings in Forks are low-key: casual bars, family restaurants and the occasional live-music night. The town caters more to daytime outdoor activities and sightseeing than late-night entertainment.

Shopping in Forks #

Shopping in Forks focuses on outdoor gear, tourist souvenirs (including Twilight-themed items) and a few small galleries and gift shops. Expect modest selection and friendly service rather than large retail centers. If you need specialist equipment or more variety, consider ordering ahead or stopping in larger towns en route.