The Washington coast is a unique blend of ruggedly beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Where else can you find in close proximity majestic beaches near a temperate rainforest. Even more, the Olympic National Forest is the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. lower 48. Near Forks, WA are attractions that astound with natural scenery. As a Washingtonian, I love sharing the wonders of the state and this area does not disappoint. An Olympic Coast Guide helps to plan for the plethora of attractions. This summer in August I spent 2 days exploring solo the Rialto, Kalaloch and Ruby Beaches, The Tree of Life Root Cave and the Hoh Rainforest.
For many, the mysterious forests and coastline inspire a gothic setting known from the vampire dwellings in the Twilight series. Forks, Washington is the actual town where author Stephenie Meyer based her Twilight saga novels inspiring the film series. This is not a Twilight Guide, however, I highlight some of the most mysterious and magical places to visit, where anyone can easily imagine whatever story line you chose. Along the Highway 101 corridor, most of the main attractions are accessible, such as, Hoh Rainforest, The Tree of Life Root Cave, and numerous beaches (Rialto, Ruby, First, Second, Third and Kalaloch Beaches).
Best Tips for Exploring Olympic Coast Region
All beaches and the Hoh Rainforest parking lots are filled from 10 am – 5 pm. For everything, plan ahead to go either before 10 am or after 5 pm, especially in summertime.
For the beaches check out tide tables for the low and high tide timings. Low tide is the best time to explore the tidepools for colorful marine life, such as, sea stars, anemones and shellfish.
The beaches are rugged with rocky shorelines. So, wear waterproof hiking boots or closed toed hiking sandals.
Even in summer, remember this coastline is near the rainforest and rain is possible anytime. On a hot day, the marine air can still be cool so dress in layers with raingear.
Cell phone coverage is very patchy here, with limited internet. The Forks Chamber of Commerce has free internet if needed.
Forks Chamber of Commerce is an excellent source with very friendly staff to answer questions or help plan your trip. I stopped there a couple times for guidance and using their free internet.
Olympic Coast Guide – Top Things to Do in 2 Days
Along the Highway 101 corridor near Forks, most of these top things to do are accessible. Everything here I did in 2 days on my solo journey. However, I kept in mind the above tips to get it all in which always considered arriving either before 10 am or after 5 pm. First, let’s talk beaches and then I will explain the Hoh Rainforest
Best Beaches Near Forks, WA
The rugged Olympic coastline is unique with spectacular sea stacks, driftwood, sea cliffs and trees. Its beaches are gorgeous in a wild way. Their moody settings can change any moment requiring planning and vigilance while connecting to their unpredictable beauty. It’s a far cry from the Caribbean, but its settings take you to the primal essence of Mother’s Nature’s power. The breathtaking views and fresh, marine air are invigorating to say the least, making for adventurous beach walks.
Fun Fact: Sea stacks are formed from waves crashing against headlands, eroding the rocks. Firstly, caves form and then the caves break forming an arch. Eventually, the arch center collapses, forming a sea stack.
Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall Beach Hike
I planned my day around arriving early for Rialto Beach’s low tide at 10:30 am. This beach is especially known for incredible tide pools. I did the Hole-in-the-Wall walk, which is 3.3 miles up and back from the parking lot. The hole in the wall is only accessible at low tide and is chock full of tide pools on the rocks, with marine life, such as, anemones, shellfish and sea stars. It’s definitely worth planning your day around arriving here for low tide findings.
La Push Beaches (First, Second and Third)
These beaches are near and just south of Rialto Beach. Once again, the Second and Third Beach parking lots were always full. However, if you plan ahead there is awesome beach camping at Second Beach. First Beach has a large parking lot and is usually always accessible for some incredible beach time. I went there a couple times for beach walks.
Ruby Beach
About 45 minutes south of Forks is the popular Ruby Beach. Also, its south of the Hoh River, creating a natural boundary from the more northern beaches. It gets the name from the red sand that occasionally gathers on the beach. Its parking lot is bigger than Rialto Beach, but still gets full during the daytime. This beach is known for the spectacular sea stacks and driftwood. I found some incredible tree trunks to sit on and take in the incredible sea air for a deep and rejuvenating meditation.
Kalaloch Beach and Tree of Life or Root Cave
Just 5 minutes south of Ruby Beach is Kalaloch Campground and parking lot. I ventured here specifically to see the Tree of Life or Root Cave. From the campground parking lot, I took the trail to the beach and almost immediately to the right I saw a small gathering of people taking photos of the Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life is as marvel and some would even say immortal. This Sitka Spruce stands on top of the beach bluff, despite its soil eroded away, with most of its roots dangling in the air without soil. This creates a tree root cave that you can walk into and be among the resilient tree roots. For many it’s a symbolic journey to visit this landmark. I mean the Tree of Life, how much more meaningful can you get. I met a lovely couple and took their photo, celebrating their 40-year wedding anniversary underneath the Tree of Life.
Kalaloch Beach is gorgeous for beach walking and bird watching. Coastal birds here include bald eagles and western gulls. Beach 4 is known for its colorful tide pools with sea stars and anemones. Like most beaches in this area, during high tide some of the beach area is inaccessible.
Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest (Hall of Mosses)
Related: Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is the largest temperate rainforest in the lower 48 of the U.S. (Tongass Rainforest in SE Alaska is the largest temperate rainforest in U.S.) Between Forks and Ruby Beach go east on the Upper Hoh Road to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. The winding 45-minute road becomes quite scenic through the corridor of ancient, tall trees and viewpoints along the Hoh River. Hoh is the name of the indigenous western Washington Indian tribe. Once again, don’t rely on mobile phone coverage once you immerse yourself in the heart of Olympic National Park.
Arrive before 10 am or after 5 pm at the Hoh Visitors Center parking lot. I got there at 4:30 with the parking lot opening up and found most of the crowds waning, especially after 6 pm in August. The star attraction is the Hall of Mosses Trail, just .8 miles through mossy Old-growth rainforests, draped in lichen and carpeted with ferns. Here is a grand opportunity for some Green Therapy. There is a specific section in the trail for the Hall of Mosses. A gothic and primeval setting among cathedral like trees, enswathed by moss and draped with lichen. It’s a marvel and worth taking your time and walking more than once for the full majesty.
Additionally, the visitor center is the trailhead for other noteworthy trails, like the Spruce Nature Trail (1.25 miles) and Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls (2.5 miles). Also, the visitor center offers naturalist walks, campfire programs and photographic opportunities.
Overall, Olympic Coast Guide
This unique region offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see both majestic ocean beaches and a temperate rainforest. There is not many places in the world where you can get the best of sea and trees. However, visiting the Olympic Coast of Washington requires planning and preparation to fully enjoy its tempestuous beauty.
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