“In the state of Washington, under a near constant cover of clouds and rain, there is a small town named Forks. Population: 3,120 people.” -Bella Swan, Twilight.
Hello, fellow Twilight lover! Visiting the Olympic Peninsula and most importantly, Forks where the Twilight books and Twilight movies were based has been a dream of mine. If it’s on your bucket list, you’re in the right place. I’ve got everything you need for the ultimate Twilight Experience in Forks, Washington!
Things to Know Before You Go
Interesting Facts about Forks and the Twilight Series: The Twilight movies were not filmed in Forks. Most of them were filmed around Oregon and British Columbia. However, the books were set in Forks and that is why it’s a must-visit on your Twilight tour.
One of the reasons the Twilight movies weren’t filmed in Forks or Washington State for that matter is two reasons. The first is that Forks is way too small and remote to accommodate an entire production team and secondly, Washington State doesn’t make it easy on filming budgets.
Twilights movie release in 2008 during the financial crisis helped the small town of Forks with the influx of tourism to the very small town.
Twilight Playlist: download my moody Twilight PNW Olympic Peninsula Playlist here for your road trip
Climate: It’s a marine climate which means you can expect cooler summers, mild and cloudy winters, and lots of moisture in the air. In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C) while it can drop between 40°F – 50°F (4°C – 10°C) at night. Rainstorms move across the Olympic Peninsula even during the summer months so it is best to always have rain gear handy.
Best time to go: April through September is the best time to visit because it’s the lowest rainfall and milder temperatures.
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD). Most businesses accept all major credit cards but there are a few that are cash only. It’s always smart on a roadtrip to have cash on hand for roadside stands (like Where’s the Frybread)
How to Get to Forks on the Olympic Peninsula
✈️ Airport: The Seattle Tacoma (SEA) International Airport is the closest airport to fly into Washington State but you can also fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ).
🚗 Car Rental: Easily rent a car here and save 70% off at the Seattle Tacoma (SEA) International Airport.
⛴️ Ferry: Drive onto the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry, the Seattle-Bremerton ferry, or the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. Here is where you can find the Washington State Ferry Schedule and Fares.
If you’re coming from Canada, Black Ball Ferry is a 90-minute ride for about $22 USD between Victoria, BC and Port Angeles, Washington State.
🚌 Bus: The Dungeness Bus line provides service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Kingston, Edmonds, Discovery Bay, Sequim, and Port Angeles.
Don’t Forget to…
- Gas up your car
- Take out cash from an ATM for roadside stands
- Create a moody road trip playlist (Twilight PNW Olympic Peninsula Playlist)
- Wear SPF – yes, even in the car (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
- Pack a cooler with lots of water and high-protein snacks
- Be prepared for all weather conditions & pack layers +rain gear
- Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine if you get carsick
- Wear your sunglasses/hat/visor
What to Expect on Your Twilight Tour
Being that Forks is so small, your tour won’t take more than an hour. Once you finish in Forks, though you can head out to La Push, it’s La Push baby! This will extend your Twilight adventure as you cross the Treaty Line heading into werewolf territory, I mean Quileute Reservation.
There will be so many other twihards out and about that you’ll run into. Be mindful of sharing the space, so everyone can get a picture. It’s always nice to offer to snap a picture especially if you’re going to ask someone to take yours. Or you could just grab a tripod like this one!
How to Take a Self-Guided Twilight Tour
As you drive into Forks, your first stop is going to be the iconic Forks Welcome Sign. Unlike some welcome signs, there is a little parking area with plenty of room for multiple cars here. You’ll definitely want to stop and snap a photo.
Stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce to pick up your Twilight map and visitor information. This is super important as they provide a map with information about each location including dos and don’ts plus some fun trivia you can play while driving around. A lot of the places are active businesses or residential areas, so make sure you follow the rules! Outside of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, you’ll see two rusty burnt orange trucks sitting outside.
Why two, you might ask? One of them is Bella’s truck from the movie and the other is her truck from the book.
Drive by the Forks Transit Center to see Charlie Swan’s Police Cruiser. Take a peek inside and you’ll see it’s pretty gutted but is definitely an older model like in the movie.
Go Spartans! Forks Highschool features the same mascot and school colors (blue and gold) as in the Twilight movies. Be mindful if you’re visiting from September to June during school hours. (Although the students and staff are probably used to the twihards.) Luckily, when I went school had just let out the week before and it was empty.
You’ll notice a big silver mailbox that reads “Cullen House“. This is the house from the book which is nothing like the house depicted in the movies. It is a bed and breakfast and while they don’t mind if you respectfully take photos outside, if you are not a guest you cannot go further on the property.
Book a stay at the Miller Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast here.
If you went inside the Chamber of Commerce, you saw Dr. Cullen’s white lab coat. But you can still visit Forks Community Hospital to see where he worked. There’s a sign for “Dr. Cullen’s Parking Spot” labeled in the parking lot but you won’t find his black Mercedes S55 AMG parked here.
The Swan House, Bella’s House from the book, is located in a residential area. Be mindful of neighbors and traffic as it is now an Airbnb. Please do not trespass unless you are staying at the Airbnb. However, they do have a sign out front and even put an Edward Cullen cutout in Bella’s window on the second floor.
Crossing the treaty line
No matter if you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, you’ll want to head out to La Push and see the Treaty Line. As you make your way out of Forks on US101, you’ll turn onto Highway 110 towards Quileute Indian Reservation. This is a long road and you’ll drive about 20 minutes before you see the sign.
Pull off into the Three Rivers Resort parking lot and safely make your way to the Treaty Line sign. It’s double-sided with this Welcome Twilight Fans and Treaty Line (pictured above) and a surprise on the back. You can see it in my stories or you’ll just have to go yourself! 😉
Continue along Highway 110 (La Push Road) towards First Beach. There are trails leading down to the beach and miles upon miles of beach to walk along. Make sure to check tide times with a quick Google search “tide times First Beach [insert date]”.
Head north to visit the beautiful Rialto Beach. A few popular attractions include the Hole in the Wall, tide pools that have interesting rocks and sea glass or simply walk along the beach.
Where to Eat
Head back to Forks and grab dinner at the popular Pacific Pizza. Although it’s not featured in the Twilight book or movie, they have incredible pizza. No wonder it’s always busy!
The only 2 restaurants featured in the Twilight series are not located in Forks. The Carver Cafe is in Damascus, Oregon, and is the diner that Bella and Charlie frequent. Edward and Bella’s “first date” and really their only date is at Bella Italia in Port Angeles. Bella’s Mushroom Ravioli is worth the hype! It was so delicious!
Comment below and let me know if you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob and when you’re planning your Twilight Adventure!
