Forks & "Twilight"

It’s a mystery! How has the dark and rainy town of Forks developed a reputation as an internationally-known tourist destination?

It’s because of the Twilighters!

They’re heading to this rugged area of the Olympic Peninsula on the Pacific Coast to visit all of the places mentioned in Stephenie Meyers’ “Twilight” Books. These popular stories and movies about a teen-age romance between a mortal and a vampire are attracting fans from around the world.

You can travel by car from Seattle -- about a half-day ride west. You’ll go aboard a Washington State ferry and cruise to Bainbridge Island; drive past the town of Poulsbo; across the Hood Canal Bridge; through Port Angeles; and skirt scenic Lake Crescent to get to this former logging town.

If your time is limited consider the Kenmore Air offer of a 2-for-1 fare special that will take you to Port Angeles (like Bella did). Then rent a car to drive to Forks. It’s the best way to see the beauty of this part of Washington State on your way to Forks.

Bus service is available from Seattle as far as Port Angeles aboard the Olympic Bus Line "Dungeness".

Then transfer to Clallam Transit Bus #14 at the Port Angeles Transit Center to reach Forks. There is good bus service on Weekdays, but no service on Sunday. (/p>

Once you arrive, make your first stop the Forks Visitor Center and grab a location map to find the high school, hospital, police station and locations where the characters live. Tours are hosted by the Dazzled by Twilight Store. Call 360-374-5101 to book a tour.

Forks is really into the spirit of things – even food. You’ll find everything from Bella Burgers to Bella Berry Pie!

Of course, you don’t have to be a Twilighter to enjoy this unique coastal area. I feature many of the scenic attractions in my travel DVD. Washington State's Olympic Peninsula

One of my favorites is the Hoh Rain Forest. It’s a must-see attraction. But, be prepared with rain gear. The average rainfall is over 140 inches a year!

The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is located 19 miles inland from Highway 101. The Hall of Mosses Trail is one of three easy loop trails and one of my favorites. The Center is also the starting point for longer and more challenging hikes into the Olympic National Park. You'll find a 5 day trip planner under activities.

The Olympic Peninsula is about as far northwest as you can travel. However, there are campgrounds, motels, and bed and breakfasts including some offering vampire murder mystery weekends.

Back in Forks, the Timber Museum is open seasonally. Free 2-3 hour long logging and lumber mill tours begin next door at the Forks visitor center. Reservations are required as space is limited.

Rialto Beach and First Beach near the Quileute Indian village of LaPush are west of Forks and offer great whale watching February through April. Walk along nearby forested trails to reach Second and Third Beaches. There’s great photography, but no swimming, so don’t forget your camera, emergency hiking gear, and if you do a beach walk, be certain to check a tide-table!

A spectacular Waterfall Trail follows Highway 101 making a 300 mile loop drive around the Olympic Peninsula. The scenery is stunning anytime of the year. See photos and directions to 20 waterfalls.

Time to return to Seattle? Many travelers continue traveling South on Highway 101 past Kalaloch, across the East end of the Quinault Indian Reservation, to the town of Hoquiam.

Now you need to decide.

If you want to see more of the Pacific Ocean, take highway 109 West to Ocean Shores. If you want some terrific ocean fishing, take highway 105 to Westport and take a charter boat out in search of Salmon and Halibut.

Want more scenery? Then travel east toward Olympia and take the scenic Highway 101 cutoff to Shelton and Hood Canal. Alderbrook Inn is a fine place to stop for lunch and enjoy some of the fine local seafood including clams, oysters, salmon, and Dungeness Crab.

For a speedier return to Seattle, travel east from Hoquiam to Olympia and then north on Interstate 5 through Tacoma.

You’ll be able to drive to Forks & the ocean in a long day, but to really enjoy this beautiful part of the Evergreen State; I’d encourage you to spend more time.

Use my travel DVD as a trip planner: Washington State's Olympic Peninsula