🌲Pacific Northwest Road Trip-Washington Coast (Part 1)

Last year, my husband and I packed up our two little dogs and took off on an unforgettable road trip along the coast of Washington State. Whether you are planning your own Pacific Northwest adventure or just love to travel through stories, here’s a detailed look at the first part of our journey.

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🚗The Night Before-Arrival into Washington

Our trip began as we drove north from Portland, Oregon, on I-5. We made a quick fuel & snack stop in Grand Mound, WA, before heading west towards Forks via Highway 12 and then Highway 101.

💡Travel Tip: Try to arrive during the day if you can. We got in late at night, and it was a challenge! Gas stations were closed, the road was long and dark, and we had a close call with an elk on Highway 101. (They’re huge-way bigger than the deer we’re used to seeing in Alabama.)

We passes through the Quinault Reservation and finally arrived at Mossquatch Resort, just outside of Forks off La Push Road. Finding our yurt in the dark was tricky, but we eventually settled in for the night.

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Day One-Twilight Town Adventure in Forks

We started our morning by exploring Mossquatch Resort and getting familiar with the area.

Highlights:

• Lunch at Pacific Pizza
• Stopped by the Forks Chamber of Commerce for a photo with the iconic Twilight Trio poster
• Took pictures with Bella’s truck (both the book and movie versions are located at Forks Chamber of Commerce)
• Visited Forks High School (not the one used in the movie)
• Saw “The Cullen House,” which is actually the Miller Tree Inn
• Checked out Carlisle’s parking sign at the local hospital
• Drove by Bella Swan’s house, which is available to book on Airbnb
• Tried Thimbleberries for the first time-native to the regions and delicious!
• Headed to La Push-First Beach (pet friendly; parking pass required from the Quileute Oceanside Resort & RV Park)
• Dinner at River’s Edge Restaurant on the Quileute Reservation
• Stopped at Lonesome Creek Store & RV Park

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Day Two-Iconic Beaches & Coastal Trails

This was a slower-paced day filled with breathtaking coastal views and trails.

Highlights:

• Visited the famous Tree of Life near Kalaloch Lodge Rainforest Trail
• Hiked the Big Cedar Nature Trail
• Spent a relaxing afternoon at Ruby Beach (dog friendly and stunning)
• Enjoyed a peaceful evening grilling at our campsite back at Mossquatch Resort

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Day Three-Rainforest Roadblocks, Beaches and Trails

We attempted to visit Hoh Rainforest, but the car line was already miles long when we arrived at 10 a.m.- so we made a new plan and explored nearby instead.

Highlights:

• Drove along Upper Hoh Road and admired moss-covered trees along the Hoh River
• Walked the Mystical Creek Trail and Hidden Mossquatch Trail (both located at Mossquatch Resort and pet friendly. These trails are for guest only)
• Spent most of the afternoon at Rialto Beach (dog friendly and dramatic views)
• Closed out the evening with a cozy bonfire and a session in the woodfire sauna at the resort

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Day Four-Hoh Rainforest & Heading North

We got up early, packed our gears and headed back to Hoh Rainforest-this time with better luck.

Highlights:

• Hiked the magical Hall of Mosses (not dog friendly)
• Drove from Forks to Sekiu (about a 40-minute drive)
• Checked into our Airbnb and headed to Neah Bay on the Makah Reservation (about a 30-minute drive West)
• Picked up a parking pass for our time in the area. (This can be done at the Makah Cultural and Research Center Museum)
• Hiked to Cape Flattery through the Cape Flattery Trail-the northwesternmost point in the continental U.S. (Dog friendly and a hotspot for whale sightings!)
• Did a quick laundry run at Olson’s Resort ($2.00 per cycle, quarters only)
• Dinner at By the Bay Cafe, right next to our Airbnb
• Ended the night with astrophotography at Shipwreck Point, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights

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Final Thoughts on Part One

The Washington Coast is rugged but filled with surprises-from Twilight fan stops in Forks to serene hikes under mossy trees. Traveling with our dogs made everything feel even more special.

This was just the beginning of our Pacific Northwest adventure. Stay Tune for Part Two, where we continue exploring the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.

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