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 is a small city with fewer than four thousand inhabitants. It's located on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula, which lies to the west of Seattle, the largest city in the region. The city has a significant Native American population, mainly of Quileute descent, with the Quileute Indian Reservation not too far away. The landscape here is one of mountains and forests and there are many things to do in the area, especially if you're an active traveler.
In the past, the main economic activity in the city was logging. You can find out more about this industry and its part in the local history at the Forks Timber Museum. If you love old things, be sure to check out the display of the old Shay engine in Tillicum Park. For things cultural, take a short drive westwards to La Push, the main Quileute community in the region.
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.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Forks. For example, you'll find hotels and motels, more intimate guest houses and log cabins. There are facilities for camping too. Find the lodging of your choice online and remember that it's best to book in advance.
Forks is a small city with fewer than four thousand inhabitants. It's located on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula, which lies to the west of Seattle, the largest city in the region. The city has a significant Native American population, mainly of Quileute descent, with the Quileute Indian Reservation not too far away. The landscape here is one of mountains and forests and there are many things to do in the area, especially if you're an active traveler.
In the past, the main economic activity in the city was logging. You can find out more about this industry and its part in the local history at the Forks Timber Museum. If you love old things, be sure to check out the display of the old Shay engine in Tillicum Park. For things cultural, take a short drive westwards to La Push, the main Quileute community in the region.
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.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Forks. For example, you'll find hotels and motels, more intimate guest houses and log cabins. There are facilities for camping too. Find the lodging of your choice online and remember that it's best to book in advance.
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