So buckle up; we are about to unpack a magical and cinematic journey through the Olympic Peninsula.
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Geography
The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is basically Mother Nature’s playground. Picture this: rugged beaches with massive sea stacks, dreamy rainforests straight out of a fairytale, and the epic Olympic Mountains capped with glaciers. It’s got everything— rivers like the Hoh and Quinault, endless hiking trails, and stunning views around every corner. From chill coastal vibes at Ruby Beach to the jaw-dropping peaks of Mount Olympus, this place is pure magic for anyone who loves the outdoors.
How to Get to the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle
By Ferry
- Hop on a ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island or Edmonds to Kingston. Once you’re across, take Highway 104 to connect with Highway 101, the main road looping around the peninsula.
By Land
- Skip the ferry and drive south via I-5, taking the exit for Highway 101 near Olympia. It’s a longer route but avoids ferry lines.
Twilight-inspired tips
To add the Twilight vibe to the trip, I highly suggest playing Twilight soundtracks while driving. You can find a bunch of pre-curated Twilight Playlists on Spotify, like this one.
Depending on the time of the year that you go, definitely pack cozy sweaters. Mornings and afternoons can get gloomy and chilly even in summer, so plan accordingly.
Embrace the overcast. While it does not constantly rain, the weather can get moody, which makes it perfect for photography.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is by far my favorite city (and there aren’t many) on the Olympic Peninsula. This is the place many Twilight fans might recognize as the place where Bella went prom dress shopping and had their first dinner with Edward.
It is the perfect gateway to the Olympic Peninsula—think cozy waterfront vibes, fresh ocean air, and a touch of small-town charm. Don’t miss the views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca—they’re absolutely magical, especially when the mist rolls in.
Bella Italia in Port Angeles inspired my inner Twilight fan with its cozy charm and, of course, the famous mushroom ravioli. Sitting in the same spot Bella and Edward’s story began felt surreal, but even if you’re not chasing Twilight vibes, the food and ambiance make it a must-visit. It’s the perfect mix of small-town warmth and cinematic inspiration!
Another great place to grab a quick dinner is The Straight Slice Pizza Co. The Pizza was great, and the vibes were phenomenal!
Must-See Places in Olympic National Park
The National Park protects 922,651 acres of the Olympic Peninsula. So, ultimately, exploration is endless, with many coastlines, hiking trails, and waterfalls to explore. However, these are some places that I consider must-sees:
- Hoh Rainforest
- Hurricane Ridge
- Ruby Beach
- Lake Crescent
- Marymere Falls
- Sol Duc Hot Springs
- Rialto Beach
- Quinault Rainforest
- Kalaloch Beach
- Staircase Rapids
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous US. I believe it is totally worth the drive to take this 1.2 out and back wooden trail to take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca converging. Cape Flattery offers breathtaking views of turquoise waters, rugged sea cliffs, and swirling tidal currents. On clear days, you might also glimpse Vancouver Island.
Note: Cape Flattery is part of the Makah Reservation and requires a permit to access. It is $20, valid for a year, and you can purchase it in Neah Bay. Make sure to display your permit on the dash of your car.
Forks: the heart of twilight
Forks, Washington, is best known as the setting for Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Is there a lot to do in Forks? No! You won’t spend more than a couple of hours here. It is important to note that while this area inspired Meyer, none of the Twilight Saga was actually filmed here.
Stop by the iconic Forks welcome sign and the visitors center to see Bella’s truck. Visitors can also explore Twilight-themed landmarks like the replica of Bella’s house, the Forks High School sign, and the most exciting part – The Forever Twilight in Forks Collection. This collection features props and costumes from all 5 Twilight movies. The exhibition is free; however, donations are welcome.
A short drive from Forks is La Push Beach, where you can soak up all the Twilight vibes as you take in fantastic views! Wanna visit the place where the La Push scene from Twilight was filmed? You would have to drive south to the Oregon Coast to do that! Learn the exact spot here.
The Olympic Peninsula is calling
Whether you are chasing Twilight vibes or want to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Olympic Peninsula has plenty to offer for anyone. So pack your bags, cue up some moody tunes, and enjoy your adventure through this stunning part of the United States.
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