Things to Do
Destinations
Forks and the surrounding area has long been a destination for visitors to Olympic National Park, the rainforest, Pacific Ocean Beaches, hikers, boaters, rafters, kayakers, surfers, birders, nature lovers and more recently, “Twilight” fans. The Miller Tree Inn has been taking care of visitors to our area since 1984. After a good night’s sleep and a breakfast to-go, our guests are ready to take in a wide variety of activities.
Beaches
Using the Miller Tree Inn in Forks, Washington as a base camp, you can easily visit the top spots of the west side of Olympic National Park. Second beach near LaPush is our favorite for a good walk into and some easily accessible tide pools. Third Beach and Rialto are also popular. Low tide is the best time for tide pools. The tide tables can be found by clicking here. These beaches are a short 25 minute drive from the inn.
Hoh Rainforest
We suggest the Hoh Rainforest for your rainforest experience. It takes 45 minutes to one hour to get from our doorstep to the Hoh Visitor’s Center. A variety of self guided nature walks take off from the Visitor’s Center. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car and some snacks and drinks with you. There are no gas stations or snack bars available at the Visitor’s Center.
Waterfalls
Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls are both beautiful walks through big trees, fern and moss. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the Miller Tree Inn to the trail heads for each of these beautiful waterfalls.
Forks Visitor & Information Center
All guests to Forks should stop at the Forks Visitor and Information Center to get brochures and information. You will be greeted by friendly staff and volunteers that are always ready and willing to help. The Visitor’s Center is a MUST for all Twilight fans. Both versions of Bella’s truck are there for picture taking opportunities. But, you also must go in, visit and ask for your Twilight packet. It will include a map for a self guided tour of the Twilight sights.Besides all the beautiful places to go, there are many recreational activities in Forks and the surrounding area.
Fishing
Forks is popular with anglers. In the fall, king salmon are the main attraction and in the winter and spring, steelhead fishing is popular. Different fish are in season year round on the rivers, streams and lakes. There is also some ocean fishing available from LaPush. The ocean seasons vary so be sure to keep in contact with your guide.
From October 1- April 30, we provide pre-dawn breakfasts for our fishermen guests. We are also happy to send you out with a thermos of coffee and phone in a sack lunch order for you to pick up on your way to the river. During other months of the year, early risers will be provided with a ‘breakfast to go’.
Water Recreation
If you enjoy the water, but do not want to fish, you might want to try a river rafting or kayak trip. The rivers are beautiful and sometimes you can see fish, birds, river otters and other wildlife from your raft or kayak.
Bird Watching
Bird watching has become more popular in recent years and many Forks residents take part in an annual bird count. A variety of birds make their home on the Olympic Peninsula. We enjoy going to the beach to see eagles and brown pelicans, but we also enjoy the robins, finches and sparrows that we see in our yard.
Cycling
If you enjoy biking and are bringing your bike along on your trip, we suggest doing sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail. When it is complete, the trail will run from Port Townsend to the Ocean. Check the progress and see which parts of the trail are open by clicking here. There are also forest service roads and logging roads around for mountain bikers.
Other Fun Things
Geocaching
There are several geocaches in the area. This activity is popular with many of our guests.
Skateboarding & Surfing
Skateboard enthusiasts should visit Tillicum Park, home to our local skate park. LaPush is a great spot for surfing.
Native American History
If you are interested in the Native American whaling culture from 500 years ago, the Makah Cultural Museum in Neah Bay is a must. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Neah Bay from Forks. There are some great vistas along the Straits of Juan de Fuca during the drive and the museum is very well done. We have a National Geographic article for our guests to read before or after their trip to the museum. Once in Neah Bay, it is a short drive to the Cape Flattery trail, which is the very most northwest point of the continental United States. On a clear day it is well worth the trip. There is a $10 fee for a parking pass which you can pick up at the Museum.
Twilight
Even if you have picked up your Twilight map at the Visitor’s Center, you may want to consider a guided Twilight Tour. These tours have been very popular with our guests. Contact 360-374-6931 or email tif@centurytel.net for more information.
Photography
Forks has become a popular destination for weddings, family reunions, girls get-away weekends, etc.