Make Lodging In Forks Your Base When Visiting The Pacific Northwest

By Jocelyn Davidson


With its rainy climate, the state of Washington is a favorite among writers and film directors looking for a setting for mystery stories. It's a popular destination among active travelers too because the cooler weather means that you can enjoy the outdoors without getting sunburned. One of the best destinations in the state for those who want to explore forests and coast is the Olympic Peninsula and the perfect base from which to explore this region is lodging in Forks.

With between three and four thousand inhabitants, Forks isn't a big city. It's a friendly rural place surrounded by mysterious forests. The traditional inhabitants of the area are the Quileute and many live in this little city in the western part of the peninsula.

An interesting museum to visit is the Forks Timber museum. It tells the story of how people here used to make a living from logging. Tillicum Park is home to a lovely Shay rail engine. For more about the Quileute, the Native American tribe that calls this part of the Olympic Peninsula home, make the short journey west to the coastal town of La Push, which is the main settlement in the Quileute Indian Reservation.

These days the timber industry has made way for tourism as an important source of income. The city is a gateway to Olympic National Park, a World Heritage Site, and specifically to those parts of the park that consist of temperate rainforests. The Hoh Rainforest is located here, as is the Quinault Rainforest, and there are many opportunities for hiking, fishing and photography. In winter you can also go skiing in parts of the park.

Another great reason to visit the Olympic Peninsula is its spectacular coastline. There are dramatic cliffs that tower over crashing waves. The beaches are pristine and make for stunning photographs, especially at Second Beach. They offer good surfing too but you'll need a wetsuit for the cold water.

One Quileute legend says that the people are the descendants of wolves. Stephenie Meyer developed this idea in her 'Twilight' books, making Jacob Black a werewolf who is also a member of the Quileute community. 'Twilight' actually put Forks, La Push and the Olympic Peninsula on the map because this is where most of the action takes place. It's at the local high school that Bella meets her great love, the vampire Edward Cullen. Today you can take a 'Twilight' tour to follow in Bella's footsteps and see the places described in the popular novels.

Seattle lies about three and a half hours' drive to the east. There isn't a very extensive public transport system on the peninsula, so it's better to drive here. Leave enough time for plenty of stops because you'll want to appreciate the landscape. Also bring something warm and a good raincoat because the peninsula is famously wet for most of the year.

The growth of tourism has meant that you'll now find many options for accommodation in and near Forks. If you want to rough it, camping or an RV park is a good choice. However, if you want to stay dry you'll probably prefer a log cabin, a hotel, a motel or a guest house. Find establishments online and try to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.




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