Forks Between Nature, History, and Film

Forks is located between the Olympic Mountains and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Nature trails, local history, and collections offer a variety of ways to shape your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Forks, first consider whether you’re most interested in hiking trails, the region’s history, or film and beach finds.

Hiking and Nature in Forks

Elk Creek Conservation Area is a 255-acre protected area in Forks with protected habitats. The Trail of the Senses is located within the area. A trail guide published in 2018 describes it as 2–3 miles long and mentions a boardwalk and the option to use a footbridge. The hiking options listed are a 3-mile loop and a 2-mile out-and-back route. This lets you choose based on the route type: the loop is the longer of the two described options, while the out-and-back route is shorter. Since trail conditions can change seasonally, check them before your hike.

The ONRC Trail is right on the edge of Forks, behind the Forks Visitor Center, and is a well-maintained hiking trail. Its location offers a different point of reference from the Trail of the Senses in Elk Creek Conservation Area: here, the edge of Forks is the specific landmark, while there, the conservation area and trail options are the focus.

Museums and History

The Forks Timber Museum was founded in 1984 to preserve and document the history of Forks’s timber industry, as well as the pioneer history of the early settlers in the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection offers a different cultural focus: it displays costumes worn during filming and original props from all five Twilight films. This lets you choose between regional history and film memorabilia when deciding how to add a cultural focus to your stay.

John’s Beachcombing Museum displays objects collected from local and distant beaches. The museum offers short tours of its highlights, as well as a treasure hunt for children. Museum operations may vary seasonally; check the current arrangements for tours and the availability of the treasure hunt before your trip.

Parks and Getting Your Bearings

The Shay Locomotive Engine, built in 1930, is located in Tillicum Park in Forks. The park has public pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts, a covered picnic area, and a children’s playground. Recreational facilities may change; check the current status before your visit.

The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is located outdoors at the Forks Transit Center. The Forks Visitor Information Center provides information about Twilight locations, the Hoh Rain Forest, beaches along the Pacific Ocean, the Waterfall Trail, as well as accommodations, restaurants, shops, and activities.

The attractions range from protected habitats and hiking trails to timber industry history, film props, and beach finds.

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