Forks, WA

Set deep in the Olympic Peninsula, Forks is a small, quiet town surrounded by dense evergreen forests and wild rivers. With around 3,300 residents, it has a long heritage as a timber town and still carries a genuine, working-class feel. You are surrounded by some of the most dramatic nature in the country, from the towering mossy trees of the Hoh Rain Forest to the rugged ocean beaches near La Push. It is also one of the wettest spots in the contiguous United States, so owning good rain gear is practically a requirement for moving here.

Daily life moves at a relaxed pace, centered around local schools, a handful of grocery stores and diners, and an active outdoor culture built on hunting, hiking, and river fishing. Forks provides basic amenities and local healthcare, but bigger retail runs and specialized services require a scenic drive along Highway 101 to Port Angeles. Settling in Forks means embracing cloudy skies, a close-knit neighborhood vibe, and a level of quiet wilderness that is hard to find anywhere else.