If you love the outdoors but not the sun, it can be hard to find a great holiday destination. Luckily the Pacific Northwest has just the answer. Winters aren't as freezing as many other places in America and summers are cool, with rainy weather. A beautiful part of this region is the Olympic Peninsula and if you're looking for the perfect base from which to explore, look no further than lodging in Forks.
Forks lies just a little inland on the peninsula's western side. It's quite a small city, with not even four thousand residents. Among its residents are people of Quileute ancestry. The landscape around the city is one of forests and mountains and it's an outdoor lover's paradise.
The largest Quileute community is La Push, which is to the west and in the Quileute Indian Reservation. The people of Forks used to be loggers and the local timber museum tells the story of this part of the city's history. A charming historic sight in the city is a Shay engine which is housed in Tillicum Park.
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.
The Olympic Peninsula is very rainy but the drizzle lets up a little in summer. Good rain gear is essential when you visit. It's also a good idea to drive here because it's easiest to get around by car. The trip from Seattle takes about three hours and forty minutes but you'll need more time for the drive if you want to appreciate the scenery.
Your choice of accommodation really depends on your tastes, since Forks has something for everyone. You can go camping or stay in an RV park or you may find a more upmarket guest house or hotel more to your liking. A log cabin is a wonderfully romantic option too.
Forks lies just a little inland on the peninsula's western side. It's quite a small city, with not even four thousand residents. Among its residents are people of Quileute ancestry. The landscape around the city is one of forests and mountains and it's an outdoor lover's paradise.
The largest Quileute community is La Push, which is to the west and in the Quileute Indian Reservation. The people of Forks used to be loggers and the local timber museum tells the story of this part of the city's history. A charming historic sight in the city is a Shay engine which is housed in Tillicum Park.
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.
The Olympic Peninsula is very rainy but the drizzle lets up a little in summer. Good rain gear is essential when you visit. It's also a good idea to drive here because it's easiest to get around by car. The trip from Seattle takes about three hours and forty minutes but you'll need more time for the drive if you want to appreciate the scenery.
Your choice of accommodation really depends on your tastes, since Forks has something for everyone. You can go camping or stay in an RV park or you may find a more upmarket guest house or hotel more to your liking. A log cabin is a wonderfully romantic option too.
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