Forks Live Cam

Situated between the Pacific Ocean beaches and the Olympic mountains



Hosted by:
  • Quillayute River Resort
  • 473 Mora Road - Forks
  • Washington 98331 - United States
  • (360) 374-7447
  • https://qriverresort.com/

History

The Forks is a small town located in the western part of the state of Washington, United States. It is situated in Clallam County, at the confluence of the Sol Duc and Bogachiel Rivers, which join together to form the Quillayute River.

The Forks gained significant attention and popularity due to its association with the Twilight Saga, a series of vampire-themed fantasy novels written by Stephenie Meyer. The books were set in the fictional town of Forks, which contributed to a surge in tourism to the real-life town. Fans of the Twilight series flocked to Forks to visit various landmarks mentioned in the books, such as the high school and the Swan house.

Aside from its connection to Twilight, Forks is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and the nearby Olympic National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. Olympic National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and towering mountains. Visitors to Forks can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives in this stunning natural setting.

Forks itself is a small and close-knit community with a population of approximately 3,500 people. The local economy is primarily driven by logging, fishing, and tourism. The town has embraced its association with the Twilight series and developed various attractions, such as Twilight-themed tours and memorabilia shops, to cater to fans.

While the Twilight phenomenon has subsided somewhat, Forks continues to be a charming destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It offers a glimpse into the beauty of Washington's wilderness and a chance to explore the landscapes that inspired a beloved literary series.

Top Tourist Attractions

While Forks may be a small town, it offers several tourist attractions that draw visitors from near and far. Here are some of the top tourist attractions:

  • Twilight-related Landmarks: For fans of the Twilight Saga, exploring the landmarks associated with the series is a must. These include Forks High School, where Bella Swan attended; the Swan house; the Cullen house; and the Forks Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center, which has a dedicated Twilight display.
  • Olympic National Park: Located near Forks, Olympic National Park is a stunning natural gem. It offers diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, alpine meadows, and glacier-capped mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping, wildlife spotting, scenic drives, and breathtaking views.
  • Hoh Rain Forest: Part of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest is a unique and enchanting destination. It is known for its moss-draped trees, lush foliage, and incredible biodiversity. The Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail are popular paths for exploring this magical rainforest.
  • Rialto Beach: Located on the Pacific coast near Forks, Rialto Beach is known for its dramatic scenery. Visitors can explore tidal pools, walk along the sandy beach, admire sea stacks, and enjoy stunning sunsets. It's also a great spot for beachcombing and wildlife sightings.
  • Sol Duc Hot Springs: Nestled in the heart of Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs offers a relaxing experience. Visitors can soak in the mineral-rich hot springs pools, surrounded by the forested beauty of the park. The area also features hiking trails, waterfalls, and a resort with lodging options.
  • Quillayute River Resort: This riverside resort is a popular place to stay in Forks. It offers cozy cabins and provides access to fishing on the Quillayute River, which is known for salmon and steelhead fishing. The resort also offers guided fishing trips and is a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
  • Forks Timber Museum: If you're interested in the history of logging in the region, the Forks Timber Museum is worth a visit. It showcases exhibits and artifacts related to the logging industry and provides insight into the town's heritage.

These attractions offer a blend of natural beauty, Twilight-related sites, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich history and outdoor wonders of Forks, Washington.

Climate

Forks experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by cool, wet winters and mild, relatively dry summers. Here are some key features of the local climate:

  • Mild Winters: Winters in Forks are generally mild compared to many other parts of the United States. Average temperatures during the winter months (December to February) range from around 35°F (2°C) to 47°F (8°C). Snowfall is relatively rare, with most precipitation falling as rain.
  • Wet Winters: Forks receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, but winters tend to be particularly wet. The town experiences a significant amount of rainfall due to its location in the Olympic Peninsula, which is influenced by moist air masses from the Pacific Ocean. Average precipitation in Forks is around 120 inches (3,048 mm) annually, making it one of the wettest places in the contiguous United States.
  • Mild Summers: Summers in Forks are generally mild and pleasant. Average temperatures during the summer months (June to August) range from around 51°F (11°C) to 70°F (21°C). While temperatures can occasionally reach the 80s°F (high 20s°C), it's relatively rare for Forks to experience hot weather.
  • Relatively Dry Summers: Compared to the wet winters, summers in Forks are relatively dry. However, it's important to note that "dry" in this context still means the town receives a moderate amount of precipitation. Summer months typically see an average of 1 to 2 inches (25 to 51 mm) of rainfall per month.
  • Cloudy and Foggy: Forks is known for its overcast skies and frequent fog, particularly during the cooler months. The coastal location and the influence of nearby bodies of water contribute to the persistent cloud cover and foggy conditions.

It's worth mentioning that the climate in Forks can vary from year to year, and weather patterns can be influenced by factors such as El Niño or La Niña events. These patterns can impact the temperature and precipitation levels experienced in the area.

Geography

It is situated on the Olympic Peninsula, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Forks is nestled in a region dominated by forests, rivers, and mountains. To the northeast lies the vast expanse of Olympic National Park, which covers a significant portion of the Olympic Peninsula. The park offers diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, alpine meadows, and pristine coastal areas.

The town of Forks itself is located in a relatively flat area, with elevation ranging from about 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) above sea level. The surrounding terrain gradually rises as it moves eastward into the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula.

The region's geography is characterized by dense forests, primarily composed of coniferous trees such as Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and Sitka spruce. The area's abundant rainfall and mild climate contribute to the lush greenery and vibrant ecosystem.

Forks is also in close proximity to the Pacific coast, with Rialto Beach being one of the notable coastal attractions nearby. The coastal areas offer sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, sea stacks, and stunning views of the ocean.

Overall, Forks is situated in a picturesque part of Washington state, surrounded by verdant forests, rivers, and the rugged beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. Its location near both the mountains and the coast provides a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenery.