Mileage chart from Forks
Ocean Beaches 14 miles
Port Angeles & Ferries 57 miles
Sequim 72 miles
Kingston Ferry 105 miles
Bainbridge Ferry 119 miles
Sol Duc Hot Springs 38 miles
Rialto Beach 13 miles
Neah Bay 47 miles
Lake Ozette 49 miles
Hoh Rain Forest 31 miles
Aberdeen 103 miles
Lake Crescent 43 miles
Sunset at Second Beach
Beach found on the Washington State coast line. .6 mile hike, tide pools and marine life abound!
Hoh Rain Forest
The only
temperate rain forests in the northern hemisphere!
Rialto Beach
Famous Beach which is great for storm watching in the winter and spring months and for beach combing.
Lake Crescent
A crystal clear 12-mile long lake located 17 miles west of
Port Angeles on Highway 101.
Area Info
Forks Chamber of Commerce
Ferries
Victoria Express Passenger Ferry
Coho Ferry Passenger & Auto Ferry
Washington State Ferries
Weather Links
Weather for Forks
Coastal Marine Forecast
WA Water Resources
Tide Tables
Olympic National Park
ONP Field Guide
ONP (Official) website
Olympic National Forest
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WELCOME TO FORKS & THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
The Forks Motel is centrally located to all major attractions, making the motel a good base camp as you explore the area. Many people stay three or four days as they visit area attractions like the Hoh Rain Forest, Ocean Beaches and Lake Crescent. Below are some ideas for possible day trips while you are in the area.
FIVE DAY TRIPS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE OLYMPIC
PENINSULA
Whether you have only a few hours or several days, this guide offers a host of choices as you
explore the Northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest. This 2,000 square mile region is
bordered on the north and west by over 100 miles of saltwater shores and to the south and
east by alpine meadows and rain forest valleys. Over 200 miles of wild rivers furrow the
region with vibrant runs of native salmon and steelhead. Year round temperatures range
from the mid-40's to upper 60's, snowfalls are infrequent as are temperatures over 80
degrees.
Day 1: HOH RAIN FOREST AND KALALOCH BEACHES
Among the only temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain
Forest is a not-to-be-missed attraction on the West Side of the Olympic Peninsula.
Moisture-laden air from the Pacific brings over 150 inches of annual rainfall to the Hoh Valley,
(record of 211 inches). Nineteen miles inland from Hwy 101 you'll find the Hoh Rain Forest
Visitor Center. Three loop trails near the Visitor Center are easy to stroll and give a great
sampling of the area: The Hall of Mosses Trail is 3/4 mile and shows the moss-draped
maples, magically green in the spring, spectacular with color in the fall and a treat any time
of year; the 1 1/4 mile Spruce Trail follows the Hoh River along red alder and maple
"bottom", and shows the landscape carved by this glacier-fed river; and a paved 1/4 mile
path suitable for a wheelchair or stroller. The Hoh Visitor Center is the starting point for
many longer and more challenging hikes to the alpine meadows and glacier fields. Scenic
river floats are available in summer on the Hoh River, and fishing guides offer great
sporting and photography trips year-round. Llama trekking is one way to explore the
interior of the Park, as llamas pack the gear while you just pack yourself! Contact Woolley
Packer Llama Company at (360)374-9288.
The world's largest Western Red Cedar tree is located off Hwy. 101 on logging
roads. The Rain Forest Country Adventures Map shows the route, as well as the beaches,
attractions and services in the rain forest area. Scenic shores with easy access are found in
the Kalaloch (pronounced kalay-lock) area, 15 miles south of the Rain Forest Road on
Hwy. 101. Beach Trail 4 is a pebble beach with a dramatic surf (beware of the strong
undertow), tidal pools and is a popular place to dip for smelt (schools of small fish that
spawn in the surf in warm, calm weather and can be caught with a large net). Picturesque
Ruby Beach with a meandering creek, dramatic sea stacks, and drift logs is named for its
sometimes garnet-colored sand. A gold mining operation was located here in the early
1900's.
Day 2: AROUND FORKS AND LAPUSH
Forks is situated on a broad prairie 14 miles from the ocean. About 5,000 folks live
in the area where you'll find many restaurants, lodging, and shops. Near the south edge of
town you'll find the Visitor Information Center, the Forks Timber Museum and the Forks
Loggers' Memorial with its 12 foot wood-carved logger. The complex offers gardens and
forest paths that link to the University of Washington research facility. The Forks Timber
Museum features an authentic fire lookout tower, a 9-foot cook stove from a logging camp
and exhibits of pioneer and regional history. Open mid-April through October or by
appointment (360) 374-9663. Free Logging and Mill Tours depart from the Forks Visitor
Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from May through September at 9:30am. Step
aboard a real logging crew bus for a 2-3 hour tour of a mill, logging sites and a glimpse at
the work of our nations' only Forestry Training Center. A wild plant walk is offered
Thursday and Saturday at 9:30am April through September. Volunteer guides host both
tours. Reservations recommended, please call (360) 374-2531 to reserve space.
Rialto Beach, north of the Quillayute River, is a drive-to beach and a beautiful spot
to enjoy the surf and watch shorebirds, eagles and seals. On the south side of the river in the
Quileute Indian village of LaPush sets First Beach, a mile long crescent known for surfing-
size waves and great whale watching. Kayakers, surfers and seals often add to the view.
Second Beach, just east of LaPush, is popular with photographers and is reached by way of
a .7 mile forested trail that leads to a 2 mile long sandy stretch of beach - watch for the eagle
nest above the tree line. Third Beach, is a mostly level 1.5 mile trail through natural second
growth forest, a result of winds up to 170 mph in January 1921. The "21 Blow" leveled
nearly 8 billion board feet of timber, enough to construct 600,000 3-bedroom homes. In the
fall, mushrooms flourish under the forest canopy on these trails. The Sol Duc Salmon
Hatchery, 13 miles north of Forks, has interpretive displays, river access and picnic areas. In
the fall, adult fish can be seen in the trap located past the water-cooling tower and large pond
toward the river.
Day 3: EXPLORE THE NORTHWEST COAST
Head to the most Northwestern tip of the continental US, exploring Cape Flattery,
perhaps taking a whale watching tour, walk the world-famous Shi Shi Beach and visit the
internationally-known Makah Museum. Along Hwy. 112 are the communities of Clallam
Bay, Sekiu and Neah Bay and spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British
Columbia's Vancouver Island. Some of the best tidepools in Washington can be found near
Clallam Bay at Slip Point. Access is from the County Day-use Park right in town. Head to
the right toward the point, then past the light beacon to find marine fossil beds where some
of the oldest specimens in the world have been recovered, several are named for the local
residents that found them! Check the tides and allow plenty of time to be safe. Picturesque
Sekiu has several boat marinas - a fun stroll to look at the boats and catch a glimpse
of halibut, ling cod or red snapper fresh from the strait.
Continuing toward Neah Bay along Hwy. 112, watch for the occasional gray whales
that feed in the shallow reefs along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. As many as 50 eagles can be
seen between February and April along this dramatic stretch of highway. Whale watching
charters, kayak and scuba tours are offered by Puffin Charters in the Olympic Coast
National Marine Sanctuary, call (888) 305-2437 or (360) 963-2744 for information. Makah
Indian artifacts more than 500 years old are preserved and displayed at the Makah Museum
in Neah Bay (360) 645-2711 (closed Monday & Tuesday in winter). Neah Bay is also a
major stop on the Northwest Flyway for migratory birds. Beyond the village of Neah Bay,
enjoy a spectacular .7 mile walk to Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point on the
Olympic Peninsula, Washington State and the lower 48 states! The boardwalk trail leads
through the forest to breathtaking vistas with observation decks. Pick up a map at the Forks Visitor Center, the Makah Museum or Washburn's
General Store to find the trailheads. Between the two trails, the scenic crescent of Hobuck
Beach is open to the public.
Day 4: OZETTE WILDERNESS HIKE
Travelers will find the northwest entrance to Olympic National Park's 57 miles of
coastal wilderness at Lake Ozette*. (Take Hwy. 113 & 112 from Hwy 101 past Clallam
Bay, turning southwest onto the Hoko-Ozette Road, follow 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger
Station.) Three miles of plank-and-stair trail lead the hiker to Cape Alava, with rocky shores
and reefs to explore at low tide. Cape Alava is near the site of an ancient Makah village
partially buried in a mudslide over 500 years ago. Artifacts recovered from this site can be
viewed at the Makah Museum in Neah Bay. The site is now closed and is marked by a
memorial kiosk. Look for dozens of Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, the first
headland south of the trailhead. Sand Point, the southern tip of this 9-mile triangular trail,
offers agate hunting and is home to a large sea otter population. A turn inland will lead you
a level 2.8 miles back to the starting point via another planked trail. The cedar plank
walkway can be slick, soft-soled athletic shoes are often preferred over boots. Be
sure to check a tide table to time your beach walk with an outgoing tide, and carry the 10
hiking essentials - and lots of film as seals, deer, eagles, osprey, otters and
whales may be seen, rain or shine!
Day 5: LAKE CRESCENT, WATERFALLS & DRAGON LORE
The legend of the well-matched dragons that fought nearly to the death and whose
hot tears of anguish created the hot springs of today lends a magical touch to the Lake
Crescent area. This glacier-carved lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Several
waterfalls are in this area; Marymere Falls is a mile walk from Storm King Ranger Station
at Barnes Point; Sol Duc falls, one of the most photographed spots on the Peninsula, is a
mile walk from the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road (13 miles off of Hwy. 101 at the west
end of Lake Crescent). Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features three hot pools and a
swimming pool, open seasonally, (360) 327-3583; East of Lake Crescent on the Elwha Road
you'll find Madison Falls on a paved 600 foot accessible path, park near the toll booth and stroll left to see this cascade*. On the north shore of the lake, a 4-mile trail
follows the old Spruce Railroad grade and is one of two trails in the Park that allows
mountain bikes. Pedalboats, rowboats, canoes and motorboat rentals are available at the
resorts and store on the lake. The natural Boulder Creek (Olympic) hot springs is a 2.2 mile
hike from the trailhead at the end of the Elwha Road, in winter you may need to add 2 more
miles as the road may be closed at Altaire Campground*. Whitewater rafting is available
year round on the Elwha River with Olympic Raft Kayak (360) 452-1443 or 888-
452-1443 (in US). Olympic Raft & Kayak also offers guided sea kayak tours on
Freshwater Bay, Lake Crescent and Lake Aldwell. Horseback rides are available as well with
Lake Quinault Outfitters in the Elwha River Valley and other locations around the Park.
Choose from half-day, full-day, overnight or drop trips. Call (360) 928-0125 or 888-452-
9635 for information.
ALL ALONG THE WAY . . . OLYMPIC WEST ARTTREK
Olympic West Arttrek is a self-guided driving tour of gift shops, galleries and
studios across the Olympic Peninsula's West Side, from Kalaloch to Neah Bay. The
Arttrek tour offers Native American carvings and basketry, fine art & sculpture, a chainsaw
carver, delightful gifts, books and antiques! Pick up the tour brochure at any Arttrek
location or call the Forks Visitor Information Center for a copy.
*Fees for use in Olympic National Park may apply, for information and a map call
(360) 452-0330.
This itinerary was first created for a family of 5 including children ages 6, 7 & 9 yrs, by
Diane Schostak, a long-time Forks resident. For brochures mentioned, maps and more
detailed information, contact the Forks Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center.
(Revised January 1999)
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