Forks brings together hiking trails and protected habitats with museums, collections, and memorials. The city lies between the Olympic Mountains and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking for accommodation in Forks, considering the focus of your trip can be a useful first filter: Would you mainly like to explore nature trails, learn about the area’s history, or combine both? The attractions offer different highlights, so you can make your selection based on what interests you most.
Trails and Landscapes
The ONRC Trail is located right on the edge of Forks, behind the Forks Visitor Center, and is a well-maintained hiking trail. The Elk Creek Conservation Area covers 255 acres and includes protected habitats in Forks. This gives you a trail on the edge of town and a protected area as different ways to experience nature during your stay.
A trail guide to the Trail of the Senses in the Elk Creek Conservation Area, published in 2018, describes a 3-mile loop or a 2-mile out-and-back route. The guide also mentions a boardwalk and the option to use a footbridge. The options differ in both length and route type, allowing you to choose between a loop and an out-and-back route when planning. Trail conditions can change seasonally.
History, Film Culture, and Collections
The Forks Timber Museum was founded in 1984 to preserve and document the history of Forks’s timber industry and the pioneer history of the early settlers in the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. These topics offer a historical perspective on the area that goes beyond its landscape.
The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection offers a different kind of collection, featuring screen-worn costumes and original props from all five Twilight films. John’s Beachcombing Museum, in turn, is dedicated to objects collected from local and distant beaches. Together, the three places represent a range of interests: local timber and settlement history, film culture, and beach finds.
John’s Beachcombing Museum offers short tours highlighting the museum’s main attractions, as well as a treasure hunt for children. Tour arrangements and availability can change, so check the latest information about these offerings before visiting.
Tillicum Park and Getting Around
Tillicum Park is home to The Shay Locomotive Engine, built in 1930. The park also has public pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts, a covered picnic area, and a children’s playground. This allows you to combine a historic object with public recreational facilities in one place. Park facilities can change over time, so check the latest information if you’re making plans around any of these features.
The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is located outside the Forks Transit Center. If you’d like to visit the monument, check the latest access information beforehand. The Forks Visitor Information Center provides information about Twilight locations, the Hoh Rain Forest, Pacific Ocean beaches, the Waterfall Trail, as well as accommodation, restaurants, shops, and activities. These topics can help you narrow down your interests for your stay in Forks.
Discover more destinations: Sequim, Carlsborg, Port Angeles.
Go to the main travel guide: Clallam County.
