Overview
If I were asked to choose my favorite vacation destination ever, Washington would take the cake. The place already seemed mythic to me after reading about the cloudy skies in the Twilight series. Even if you're not a Twilight fan, this state is versatile and commonly ranks as one of the most beautiful in the country. Beaches, mountains, rainforests, cities, and tiny towns, Washington has it all.
Stays
There are so many towns along Washington's western half, which ones are worth staying in? More importantly, where can you find the best Vrbo or Airbnb?
Attire
Between temperate rainforests, beaches, and mountains, Washington's climate can vary widely. Learn how best to dress for each.
Hikes and More
If you go to Washington, it's a no brainer, you should hike. But Washington has more to offer than just its scenic views. Learn more about all you can do in this section.
Twilight and Forks
If you're like me, part of Washington's allure is Twilight. The series is set in the REAL town of Forks, Washington. In this section, I'll give you the low-down on all things Twilight.
Stays
Seattle, WA
Seattle houses one of two airports located in the state of Washington. If you're visiting western Washington, Seattle is the closest airport to the national parks, ocean, and Forks. Seattle is the largest city in Washington and boasts views of the Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier from the Space Needle. While you're there, take advantage of the local art, university, and public markets. My family spent one day in Seattle, hitting highlights like Pike's Place Market and downtown. Our trip was focused mainly on the national parks, so one day in Seattle did suffice. If you are interested in touring the city and seeing the sights Seattle has to offer, there is plenty to do to spend several days there.
Ashford, WA
Just six miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier National park, Ashford is an ideal location for visiting Mt. Rainier. The area is quaint and secluded, studded with evergreens and thick forest. The town center isn't far if you're looking for local bites and ice cream.
Because Washington is so diverse, my family stayed in three locations throughout our trip. Ashford was our second stop, because Mt. Rainier is a must see. Ashford is a two hour scenic drive southeast of Seattle, Mt. Rainier growing closer along the way.
We spent two nights in Ashford, but we certainly could have spent more time exploring the trails there if time allowed. If you're a hiker, however, I'd suggest spending the bulk of your time in the Olympic National Park. In June especially, more trails are accessible and there is a greater diversity in the views. The best time to visit Mt. Rainier and Ashford would be late summer. (Pro Tip: This is when the wildflowers bloom at the base of Rainier. Even in late June, it is still covered in snow.)
Wild Duc Lodge- Forks, WA
The Wild Duc Lodge, on the outskirts of Forks, Washington is where we spent the bulk of our trip. This lodge can sleep ten people; with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, it is the perfect place for large families or friend groups. If you're interested in salmon fishing, the owners give salmon tours in the nearby Sol Duc River.
This location was beautiful and secluded, but close enough to the town of Forks to be accessible. Bordered with forests and mountains in the distance, don't be surprised if you see elk or rabbits in your yard daily. The property has a large porch and seating that's perfect for viewing the wildlife while sipping your morning coffee. If you'd rather gather around a campfire in the evening, the lodge provides a fire pit and wood. This was one of the best VRBO's my family has ever stayed in, with responsive hosts and a beautiful, well-maintained home. The features are up-to-date, and the accommodations are helpful and comfortable. This particular spot is ten minutes from downtown Forks, 20 minutes to Rialto Beach, 30 minutes to Ruby Beach, 47 minutes to the Hoh Rainforest, 1 hour to Devil's Punchbowl, and 1 hour and 40 minutes to Hurricane Ridge.
Check out the Wild Duc Lodge on VRBO.
Why You Should Stay in Forks
Forks is located in the Northwest corner of Olympic National Park. There is plentiful hiking in the nearby area and it is less than an hour away from some of the most popular destinations in the Olympic National Forest. Forks is also near some of the best beaches Washington has to offer. Journey to Rialto beach to see starfish, tide pools, and the rock lined Pacific Ocean. On your way to Rialto, be sure to stop by the Quileute Native American Reservation: the same tribe feature in the Twilight series. Forks is a small town, but boasts plenty of coffee shacks and restaurants to satisfy a tourist.
Secondly, and this was a major draw for me, Forks is the town in which the Twilight saga is set. I had pictured this town since I was a child watching the films, and the real place made my tween fantasy come true. There are plenty of Twilight tourists attractions, from the Forks sign that mimics the one depicted in the films, werewolf themed locales in La Push, and a Twilight museum in downtown Forks. The Twilight museum is free and features some of the costumes used in the Twilight films.
Attire
I visited Washington in June, when the weather was uncharacteristically dry and warm. Typically, temperatures range from 47 degrees to 70. While June naturally has less rainfall, rain is almost always present in Western Washington. While it eluded my family during our trip, it is best to be prepared when heading to the Olympic Peninsula.
Note: Click on images for specific links.
Must Haves:
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Hiking Boots- If you're heading to Washington, hiking is a must. And to truly enjoy the rugged terrain, good hiking boots are necessary. I personally like a mid-rise hiking boot that is waterproof with good traction. I've linked my favorite pair from Merrell here, which I wore for the duration of my trip to Washington.
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Rain Jacket- Especially if you journey into the Olympic peninsula, or if you take a boat ride on the Puget Sound, I'd recommend a durable rain jacket. My rain jacket from Patagonia was light enough for hiking, but thick enough to protect from the windy boat ride.
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Hats- I like to hike in hats. They provide protection from the sun, or rain, versatile depending on the destination. My hats from Keep Nature Wild are some of my favorites.
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Breathable hiking gear- In my experience, it's often worth paying extra for hiking clothes that are durable, breathable, and comfortable. Some of my favorite sites are Keep Nature Wild, Happy Earth Apparel, Life is Good, Patagonia, and Columbia. Keep Nature Wild also has themed apparel based on the destination.
Hikes and More
There is so much Western Washington has to offer that my list will never be comprehensive. Below I've summarized some of the best sites my family hit on our June vacation.
National Park Hikes
A trip to Washington isn't complete without a scenic hike. With Mt. Rainier to the North, the Cascades to the East, and the Olympic National Park to the West, the state is full of captivating views and hikes suitable for all ages.
Listed below are must-do hikes in the western part of the state:
Devil's Punchbowl~ 2.4 miles
Despite its name, there is nothing devilish about this hike. It is considered an easy hike, kid-friendly, and wheelchair accessible, with stunning views. It overlooks Lake Crescent, which has the clearest teal-blue water I've ever seen.
If you're brave enough, take a plunge in the icy water. In June, the water temperature was no more than 50 degrees.
Devil's Punchbowl is a 2.4 mile out and back trail, which takes about 50 minutes to complete. There is no difficult elevation gain, only minor roots to watch out for while running or walking. This hike is located in The Olympic National Park, near Joyce, Washington.
To learn more about the trail, head over to AllTrails
Hurricane Ridge~ 3.4 miles
I'll be the first to say, Hurricane Ridge is not an easy hike. While the path is paved, the elevation gain alone is enough to stop you mid-hike. The good news is that you can drive to the Hurricane Ridge Welcome Center and walk some of the hike before the elevation gain is too difficult. The view is beautiful whether you witness the Olympic mountain range from the top of the ridge, or at the welcome center.
The trailhead is 1.5 miles beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center. I'd recommend at least walking to the trailhead, as there is little elevation gain at this point. If you do decide to hike the 1,000 foot elevation gain, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Vancouver Island, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountain range.
If you hike this trail in the summer months, particularly June, colorful wildflowers dot the mountainside and the animals come out to play. On our hike we saw deer no more than a few feet away, chipmunks, and plenty of birds.
Even in summer, this was a cooler hike due to the elevation. The higher you go, the windier it gets, so bring a jacket or a sweatshirt along on this hike. This hike is located in the Olympic National Park, near Port Angeles.
Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses~ 1.1 miles
Out of all the hikes we did in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest hikes were some of the busiest. Note that if you come in the summer months, you likely will have to wait in lines to get into the park. That being said, the wait is well worth it.
Washington is one of the most beautiful states in the country, in part, because of its diversity. Rock-capped beaches, mountain ranges, coniferous forests, rainbow crested waterfalls, and rainforests—yes, rainforests—all call this state home.
Waist-high ferns and massive Spruces and Cedars, wrapped in low-hanging moss, line this dirt trail. The trail itself is wide, with the trees hanging high overhead, blocking out even a rare day with sunshine. It gives this trail a moodier ambiance, think of the Washington you know from pop culture.
This is an easy and beautiful hike, with scenery that matches a storybook rather than the U.S.
Bring the whole family on this short, manageable trail. It is located in the Olympic National Forest, near Joyce, Washington.
Narada Falls~2.4 miles
I've seen plenty of waterfalls in my life, some impressive heights, others with roaring waves at the bottom. Narada Falls puts other waterfalls to shame, not only because of its sheer height, but because of the arching rainbows over the falls on sunny days.
The best time to access this hike is between June and October, which also gives you a better chance of witnessing the often elusive rainbows. Hike the entirety of the out and back trail, drive down to the bottom of the falls, or merely witness from the top. Regardless, you'll have stunning views.
For those hiking to the bottom of the falls, the hike back up is quite steep, which is why it is considered a moderate trail. Also keep in mind that the mist from the waterfall can often make the trail quite slippery, so be mindful as you hike.
This trail is located in Mt. Rainier National Park, near Paradise Inn, Washington.
Whale Watching
If you fly into Seattle, the town of Anacortes is a mere hour and a half drive north. It is quaint, with the charm of a small coastal town. The beaches are pristine, well-kept, unmarred by the human hand. They are lined with tiny, glass-like pebbles instead of sand and the lapping water makes them change into darker colors.
These beaches border the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands, home to several whale populations. In the summer months, humpbacks migrate to northwards into the sea, making it possible to witness them breaching out of the water.
Gray whales, minke whales, porpoises, and dolphins also frequent these waters in the summer months. Generally, May-August is the best time to whale watch.
Year-round, however, it is possible to see the resident orca population. When my family went whale watching, we were lucky enough to see a pod of orcas. Even from a hundred yards away, watching their black dorsal fins rising out of the water in synchronization is something I'll never forget.
Watching the whales and other wildlife in the calm waters surrounding Vancouver Island was magical. I was in awe watching so many individual whales move as one.
We sailed with Outer Island Excursions, which is a company I'd recommend to anyone. Their vessels are small, meaning you can get closer to the whales with less people around you. (Larger vessels must stay further from the whales.) I'd recommend sailing on a smaller boat for a more intimate experience.
In the summer months, their rates run at $119 for adults, $99 for seniors, and $79 for children.
What to Wear: Even in the summer months, it can be windy onboard the vessels. It is also generally cooler on the water than on land. I wore my Patagonia rain jacket, linked in the Attire section above.
For more information about the orcas and whale watching, head over to my blog post, "Whale Watching: The Orcas of the Salish Sea."
Pike's Place Market
If you're traveling to the western part of Washington, you'll likely fly into Seattle. The city is full attractions, restaurants, and shops, but if you're there for a limited time, Pike's Place Market is a must.
Open 363 days a year, Pike’s Place Market is a public market filled with over 220 vendors. Often considered the “soul of Seattle,” it is a must-do if you’re in the city.
The market has hundreds of stalls lined with fresh produce, artisanal gifts, flower arrangements, and so much more. The prices are actually incredibly reasonable, as well. I purchased a floral bouquet pictured above for only $15.
The market is located by the waterfront, near the Seattle Great Wheel and the Great Gum Wall. We rode the Seattle Great Wheel, which offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier.
The Seattle Great Wheel is the tallest Ferris Wheel on the west coast, extending forty feet out over the bay. For $16, I’d recommend taking a ride in the enclosed gondola to witness the spectacular views.
The Great Gum Wall of Seattle is also nearby. It is a quirky attraction—much like the city itself, but it is an iconic Seattle marker. Chew a piece of gum and stick it on the bricks of the Great Gum Wall.
Complete your time at Pike’s Place Market with a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
La Push
La Push is werewolf territory; and a staple to any Twilight trip. The Quieleute tribe is a real tribe, ripe with its own history. Be sure to be respectful of the actual Quileute people and recognize that they are not the mythical beings from Twilight, if you visit.
That being said, La Push has reopened and welcomes visitors back on its lands. When I took my trip to Washington in 2021, we were unable to go into the reservation due to Covid-19 restrictions. Now that it is open once again, journey into La Push to see the reservation, First and Second Beaches, and the many shops run by the Quileute tribe.
To learn more about the tribe and to watch for cancellations, visit here.
While we couldn’t actually go onto the reservation, my family was able to drive to the treaty line. There is a restaurant and store called, 3 Rivers Resort with Twilight themed memorabilia. Go into the visitor center and admire the replicas of Bella’s trucks, one fitting the movie version and the other matching the book version.
Inside the 3 Rivers Resort, Bella’s jacket from New Moon and movie posters hang on the walls. Outside, pose in front of the signs keeping vampires out, declaring that you’re firmly in wolf territory.
Take the time to go into the shops and local joints all around Forks. Many of them have Twilight themes and even have memorabilia from the set.
Beaches of Twilight
Rialto and Ruby beaches look like shots straight out of Twilight. Rialto beach is one of the closest beaches to Forks, dotted with trails which lead to the cliffs overlooking the beach. These beaches aren’t for swimming, as the Pacific is quite cold and rocky in this part of the U.S., but they are still worth the trip.
At Ruby beach, we were able to see colorful starfish and plenty of sea anemones. At both beaches, we saw bald eagles, cliffs, whitewashed driftwood, and plenty of shells. Children will appreciate the tide pools at these beaches, filled with all sorts of critters. I’ll admit to enjoying them myself. Adults will appreciate the sheer beauty of the landscape, which makes these beaches perfect for a sunset picnic.
Neither of these beaches were busy when we visited. In fact, we essentially had the whole place to ourselves. Just make sure you pay attention to the tides before you head out. If you get stuck during high tide, you’ll have a hard time making it back to your vehicle.
Ruby and Rialto are certainly stunning in their own right and worth the drive from Forks, but you won’t miss the similarities if you’re looking for a Twilight thrill.
Note: Rialto Beach is near the chain of the La Push beaches, but is separate. As we visited Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to actually go to La Push’s First and Second Beach.
Twilight Forever Collection
The Twilight museum is a must-do for Twilight fans in Forks. This is the one place in Forks with comprehensive sets of Twilight costumes and props used in all five films. The Twilight Forever collection is held in the Rainforest Arts Center in Forks, open-year-around, and is completely free!
Make sure you note when the museum is open. Its hours are from 12-4PM and it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Don’t miss the attraction because of the hours!
For more information, visit this page.