Here’s your chance to sparkle…that is once the “near constant cover of clouds and rain” lets up. Take a road trip to mysteriously moody Forks, Washington, and live out your teenage vampire dreams. The trip from Seattle is about 4 hours in total, and it’s worth the drive even if you’re not a Twilight fan.
The Rainiest Town in the U.S.
Forks is a city nestled on Washington’s stunningly gorgeous Olympic Peninsula. Its original claim to fame (before the Twilight frenzy) is that it is “the rainiest town in the contiguous United States.” It boasts an average yearly rainfall of 120 inches which is why it is the perfect place for vampires in hiding.
Stunning Nature
The town is located between the Olympic mountains and Pacific Ocean beaches. Just east of the city is the Olympic National Park where you can marvel at ocean coastlines, lush rainforests, and alpine mountains all within one glorious park. Olympic National Park is well worth a road trip too, and you can even visit on a free entry day.
Twihard Bucket List Adventure
Surprisingly, the Twilight movies were actually not filmed in Forks, Washington. The majority of the filming took place in and around Portland, Oregon, but some scenes were also filmed in Washington State and British Columbia. And while no filming took place in Forks, a visit to the charming little rainy town is still at the top of many Twihards’ bucket lists.
Luckily the town of Forks embraces and encourages all things Twilight. They even have a special Forks Twilight Map to help guide Twihards on their ultimate Twilight adventure. Hang on, Spider Monkey, because here are the top 7 things to do in Forks, Washington.
A Perfect Twilight Day in Forks, Washington
1. Take a picture at the famous welcome sign
The famous “The City of Forks Welcomes You” sign is the first must-do on your trip to Forks. Snap a picture next to the iconic sign, and get excited for the Twilight-filled day ahead!
2. Drive by Bella’s red truck
You can see Bella’s vintage cherry red truck with a custom “Bella” license plate parked in front of the Forks Visitor Information Center.
📍Where: 1411 S Forks Avenue, Forks, WA
3. Marvel at the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection
The small town of Forks boasts the world’s largest collection of Twilight Saga props and costumes. At the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection visitors can gaze at actual props and costumes worn on screen by all of your favorite Twilight actors, including Bella, Edward, and Jacob costumes. Plus, the collection displays Bella’s Graduation Quilt, many international editions of Twilight, and the divisive Chuckesmee doll. (If you know, you know.)
📍Where: Rainforest Arts Center (RAC) Alcove 11 N. Forks Avenue, Forks, Washington
4. Surf at First Beach at La Push
Don’t worry if you’re clumsy like Bella – no actual surfing is required for visiting First Beach in La Push. It’s worth a visit just to gaze upon the waves. “La Push, baby. It’s La Push.” Need we say more?
5. Celebrate Bella’s birthday at the Forever Twilight in Forks Festival
Bella’s birthday is September 13th, and Forks holds a festival every year on the weekend that falls closest to her birthday in order to celebrate all things Twilight. The next Forever Twilight in Forks Festival will be held on September 11 – 14, 2025. And next year Kellan Lutz, the actor who played Emmett Cullen, will be the festival’s special guest. Some events require tickets, and tickets are already on sale for next year’s event. So grab yours now before they sell out. However, the festival offers many free events throughout the weekend!
📅When: September 11 – 14, 2025
6. Eat at Bella Italia restaurant
After a full day, you need to fuel up just like Bella. Bella Italia restaurant is actually located in Port Angeles, WA just like in the books and movies, but it’s worth the short drive for an authentic Italian meal (even if you’re not eating with Edward). Dive into a big plate of Bella’s signature mushroom ravioli and reflect on your perfect Twilight day.
📍Where: 118 East 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA
7. Spend the night at the Swan’s House
Believe it or not, you can actually stay at the Swan residence right there in Forks! The nostalgic 1905 farmhouse was the inspiration for the house of Charlie and Bella Swan in the Twilight series. Get all the rental information you need here.
📍Where: 775 K Street, Forks, WA
So fill up your gas tank, grab a camera (just like Bella’s mom gave her for graduation!), and make beautiful autumn memories in one of the most charming towns in the PNW.