Exploring Forks, WA and the Hoh Rainforest: Twilight, Tidepools, and Boondocking Beauty
Tucked away in the lush, misty wilds of the Pacific Northwest, Forks, Washington offers more than just its Twilight fame. From moss-draped rainforests and vibrant tidepools to local history and riverside boondocking, our recent visit to the Forks area and Olympic National Park was a full-sensory adventure perfect for families, RV travelers, and outdoor lovers alike.
Whether you’re chasing vampires or just in search of unforgettable nature, here’s how we spent our unforgettable time in Forks, WA.
🛻 Boondocking on the Hoh River at Allen’s Bar
We set up camp at Allen’s Bar, a peaceful boondocking spot right along the banks of the Hoh River. Nestled between mossy forest and glacial-blue waters, this free camping area offers unbeatable scenery and proximity to Olympic National Park. Our spot featured a gravel pullout, easy river access, and plenty of room for our travel trailer.
Pro Tip: Cell service is limited here depending on carrier, but the serenity more than makes up for it. Arrive early to snag a spot—it’s first come, first served!
Allen’s Bar
🌲 Hoh Rainforest: Hiking the Hall of Mosses & Spruce Nature Trail
No visit to the area is complete without stepping into the Hoh Rainforest, one of the most iconic and otherworldly ecosystems in the U.S. We attended a ranger-led talk that gave us deep insight into the unique temperate rainforest environment.
Afterward, we hiked two of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park:
Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles): A short, surreal loop through towering trees draped in green moss.
Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles): A peaceful, scenic trail through old-growth forest along the river.
⏳ Know Before You Go:
Due to metered parking and high summer visitation, we waited nearly an hour to enter the park. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds.
🧛♀️ Forever Twilight in Forks Museum
Fans of Twilight won’t want to miss the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection, a quirky, free museum packed with movie memorabilia, costumes, and props. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s fun to see the cultural impact the series had on the town—and the museum staff are incredibly welcoming.
Location: 11 N Forks Ave, Forks, WA
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Don’t Miss: Bella’s truck and the screen-worn costumes!
Forever Twilight Collection
🪵 Forks Timber Museum: Local History Comes Alive
Just down the street from the Twilight museum is the Forks Timber Museum, a hidden gem that shares the area’s rich logging and pioneer history. The kids enjoyed hands-on exhibits and exploring the historic logging tools, while we appreciated the knowledgeable volunteers who brought the stories to life.
Address: 1421 S Forks Ave, Forks, WA
Admission: $5 per person (12 and under FREE)
Highlights: Fire lookout tower, logging camp recreation, and vintage chainsaws
Forks Timber Museum
🐚 Ruby Beach at Low Tide: Incredible Tidepooling on the Washington Coast
Our final stop was the breathtaking Ruby Beach, located about 40 minutes south of Forks. We timed our visit for low tide, and it paid off in a big way!
Among the sea stacks and rocky outcrops, we discovered:
💫 Dozens of colorful starfish
🟢 Sea anemones in vibrant greens and purples
🦀 Crabs and other tidepool creatures hiding in the kelp
The rugged coastline, crashing waves, and otherworldly marine life made this one of the best tidepooling experiences we’ve had on the West Coast.
Tip: Check tide charts before you go—arriving at lowest tide offers the best chance to see tidepool life.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Forks, WA is More Than Just Twilight
From RV boondocking on the Hoh River to exploring moss-laden forests, diving into Twilight fandom, and tidepooling on the wild coast, Forks and the Olympic Peninsula exceeded our expectations.
Whether you're full-timing in an RV, visiting Olympic National Park for the first time, or revisiting your Twilight fan roots, Forks is a uniquely magical destination that combines natural beauty, quirky culture, and peaceful camping all in one place.
📌 Travel Tips Recap:
🚐 Boondocking: Allen’s Bar on the Hoh River (free, no hookups)
🎟️ Hoh Rainforest: Arrive early to avoid long waits
🌌 Twilight Fans: Don't miss the museum in downtown Forks
🌲 History Buffs: The Forks Timber Museum is family-friendly and educational
🧜 Ruby Beach: Best tidepooling at low tide—don’t forget your camera!