Head To The Pacific Northwest To Visit The Town Where The Popular Twilight Saga Films Take Place
Released in 2005, "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer set off a vampire craze in pop culture. This phenomenon reached global heights when Meyer published three sequels, and the film adaptation of the first book hit the screens in 2008. It also brought notoriety to Forks, Washington, where Meyer set the vampire love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, near the gorgeous Hoh Rain Forest, Forks is less than four hours away from Seattle, making it a must-do Pacific Northwest road trip.
Forks is one of the rainiest cities in the country. Likewise, it was once a significant logging town and, as such, is home to the Forks Timber Museum. Another notable attraction is John's Beachcombing Museum, which has random items found at beaches on display.
But since the explosion of the "Twilight" franchise in the early aughts, Forks has become the place to visit for "Twilight" fans. This is in spite of the fact that the 2008 film was actually shot throughout Oregon. Needless to say, Forks has embraced this acclaim. Fork's Visitor Information Center (found next to the Timber Museum), for example, allows tourists to snap photos with Bella Swan's vintage red truck. However, this is just the beginning of Fork's "Twilight" offerings.
The best stops in and around Forks for Twilight fans
In 2021, Forks, Washington had a population of fewer than 4,000 people. In other words, it's a relatively tiny town, and all the sites that are a must-see for Twihards are within a short distance of each other. Visitors will find both the Cullen House and the Swan House in Forks ideal for photo opportunities. The Cullen House is actually The Miller Tree Inn, a farmhouse turned bed & breakfast. It's believed that "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer based the Cullen family home she mentions in her book on the 1916 inn.
Visitors can live out their "Twilight" fantasy by staying in one of the inn's eight homey-decorated rooms. Prices vary, but start at under $200 a night. Similarly, the Swan House (pictured above) is said to be the inspiration behind the old home Bella Swan shares with her father, Charlie. Tourists looking for the ultimate "Twilight" accommodations can book the entire three-bedroom house on Airbnb for $225 a night (excluding taxes and other fees).
Located less than 30 minutes from Forks, La Push offers surfers some of the most reliable waves on the Olympic Peninsula. It's also where Bella Swan and her love interest, Jacob Black, spend time together. La Push, presided over by the local Quileute tribe, has hiking trails and wildlife viewing. A $15.00 Olympic National Park Entrance Pass is needed to visit and can be purchased online.
Check out the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection
Every September, the city of Forks, Washington, hosts an annual "Twilight" celebration known as Forever Twilight in Forks. Held throughout town over the course of a few days, attendees can enjoy various "Twilight" themed activities and events. This includes movie showings, photo opportunities, a prom gala, and the opportunity to meet actors from the film franchise. In past years, Ashley Greene and Peter Facinelli, who played Alice Cullen and Carlisle Cullen, respectively, have appeared at Forever Twilight in Forks.
Admission and several of the events are free. However, those who want to participate in the festival's exclusive events can purchase tickets for around $550. But even if you don't plan on visiting Forks in September, don't fret; you can still see the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection. This free museum opened in 2017 and can be found at the Rainforest Art Center. The exhibit features props, costumes, and other items from the "Twilight" saga, including the infamous "Chuckesmee." The animatronic was created to play Renesmee, Bella and Edward's daughter in "Breaking Dawn-Part 2," but didn't make the cut.
The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection is open during the winter on Fridays and Saturdays. During summer (May 23-September 2), the museum is open seven days a week. If you want to purchase "Twilight" souvenirs, make sure to head to the Fork's Visitor Information Center.