{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreidsdied46j4w27f7nptq3vsbnzlkqzvvabnsk3vuowjrk7ujt6md4",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:xoczgo53ahhoei6pror2b43g/app.bsky.feed.post/3mmwxvvdxcxfl"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreiemigb5vge36uffbvg3izajuklkfiyom4xhaefbprd7qvazf7da64"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/webp",
    "size": 140960
  },
  "description": "Plan a 4-day dog-friendly Olympic Peninsula trip based near Forks with beaches, Twilight landmarks, mossy rainforest hikes, and cozy stays at Mossquatch Resort.",
  "path": "/4-day-dog-friendly-olympic-itinerary-based-in-forks/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-08-25T21:56:28.000Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:xoczgo53ahhoei6pror2b43g/site.standard.publication/3mmwwrtzqnc7k",
  "tags": [
    "Beaches",
    "Dog-Friendly",
    "Hiking",
    "Olympic National Park",
    "Olympic Peninsula",
    "Road Trips",
    "United States",
    "Washington"
  ],
  "textContent": "When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Affiliate Policy. Planning a dog-friendly Olympic National Park itinerary? This 4-day Olympic Peninsula itinerary is based in Forks, Washington and includes beaches, rainforest hikes, and scenic coastal stops you can actually enjoy with your dog. We’re not the type of travelers who like to stick to a clock or schedule. For our Olympic Peninsula trip (July through August last year), we had a few must-see spots: Ruby Beach, Rialto, the Hall of Mosses. And then we gave ourselves time to actually enjoy them instead of running from stop to stop. What follows isn’t the “perfect” itinerary. It’s our itinerary: four days based near Forks, staying at Mossquatch Resort, exploring coastal beaches with our dogs, wandering moody forests, and stepping into the rainforest that made Olympic famous for its moss-draped trees. These are the stops we made, the ones we loved, and the ones we’d do again in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly mix of iconic spots and some quieter locations, all within a short drive from Forks, this is exactly the kind of trip you can copy, tweak, or just use for inspiration. ✨ Planning Your Trip to the Olympic Peninsula? You’ll want a car to get there and a nearby place to stay — especially with dogs.🏡 We loved Mossquatch Resort, but Forks has plenty of options on Expedia, many with free cancellation.🚗 Booking.com makes it simple to compare rental deals so you can explore the coast at your own pace and hit all the dog accessible locations. Day 1 – Explore Forks, Twilight Landmarks & Dog-Friendly First Beach Day one is all about getting settled, exploring the town, and ending the evening with your pups running free leash-free on the beach. When we visited late in July, the weather was mostly overcast and drizzling. Check the weeks forecast below: Forks Weather Stay: Mossquatch Resort We arrived at Mossquatch Resort late the night before after a long drive, and waking up in the forest here was the best welcome to the Olympic Peninsula. Mossquatch is tucked half-way between Forks and La Push, so you’re close to both the coast and town. This quirky glamping spot leans into the moss that Olympic is famous for: Bigfoot signs, moss gnomes, even a “Mossquatch” mascots were hidden along the ferns. We stayed in one of their canvas tents, which gave us a real bed, heat for the cool nights, and a kitchen setup for grilling. The pups loved roaming around our site (with us keeping an eye out for banana slugs), and we loved the quiet evenings under the trees. Queen size bed inside the Mossquatch Resort tent Kitchen at Mossquatch Resort If you want something wooded, dog-friendly, and unique, Mossquatch was a perfect fit. But there are also plenty of places you can book in Forks if you’re looking for a hotel stay. For those who want to stay even closer to the coast, Kalaloch Lodge is an excellent option. Morning in Forks: Twilight & Exploring the Small-Town After coffee at our campsite, we drove into Forks to explore. This little logging town leans hard into its Twilight fame, and honestly, it was fun to chase down all the landmarks. The City of Forks Welcomes You! The Forks Chamber of Commerce was our first stop. Bella’s two trucks are parked outside, and inside you’ll find cardboard cutouts and maps marking all the Twilight spots around town. From there, we tracked down the Cullen House (Miller Tree Inn), Bella’s House, and even Dr. Cullen’s parking spot at the hospital. The Cullen House (Miller Tree Inn) can even be booked if you’re looking for a Twilight themed stay! Even if you’re not a huge fan, it’s worth a drive around, as the town really does feel like the moody backdrop of the movies, and we found ourselves pulling over to snack on roadside thimbleberries (which are safe to eat raw!) while joking about Edward hiding in the trees. Forks itself is small: one grocery store (Forks Thrifty Mart), a few shops, and a handful of places to eat. We grabbed coffee at A Shot in the Dark, checked out souvenirs at Forks Outfitters (connected to Forks Thrifty Mart), and ordered pizza at Pacific Pizza, which has outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly. The home of Bella Swan The Cullen House in Forks, WA Evening: First Beach at La Push By late afternoon, we headed west toward La Push. Just 20 minutes from our yurt, First Beach ended up being the perfect dog-friendly stop. Unlike most beaches inside Olympic National Park, this one (on Quileute Nation land) allows dogs off-leash. We picked up a $10 parking pass at the Quileute Oceanside Resort and walked right onto the sand, where Toby and Lily immediately sprinted across the driftwood-strewn shoreline. Fog rolled around the sea stacks, waves crashed in hard, and the whole place had that rugged, wild feeling that makes the Pacific Northwest so addictive. Taking a walk leash-free on First Beach Toby and lily exploring La Push After an hour of running around, climbing logs and burning off energy, the dogs were happily worn out. We grabbed dinner at River’s Edge Restaurant just down the road, then headed back to Mossquatch for a quiet night by the fire. ⛺ Day one gives you a mix of pop-culture fun, small-town charm, and a first taste of the wild coast, all with the pups by your side 🐾. Day 2 – Ruby Beach, Kalaloch’s Tree of Life & Big Cedar Loop Day two on the Forks side is all about exploring the moodiness that is Olympic’s southern coastline. With Ruby Beach as the star of the show and two quick but unforgettable stops nearby, this makes for a perfect half- or full-day trip from Forks (especially if you’re staying at Mossquatch). Midday: The Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach Just 15 minutes south of Ruby Beach lies one of Olympic’s most unique wonders: the Tree of Life, also called the Tree Root Cave. This Sitka spruce somehow clings to life even though its roots hang exposed in midair, stretched across a gap carved by a small creek. Standing underneath, it looks like it’s defying gravity as storms pound the coastline year after year. It’s almost like it’s defying gravity The walk from the Kalaloch Campground parking lot is only a few hundred feet, but the stairs down to the beach can be slippery when wet. Expect a small crowd, since most people will be waiting their turn for photos by and under the tree’s twisted roots. We lucked out with fellow visitors offering to take photos of us with Toby and Lily (though the dogs looked less than thrilled in their makeshift “grocery bag ponchos”). Pro tip: the best shots are often taken from a distance, so step back and capture the full tree framed by the beach and cliffs. Quick Stop: Big Cedar Kalaloch Before heading back north, don’t miss Big Cedar, only 8 minutes from the Tree of Life. This short 0.3-mile trail loops past massive western red cedars, some nearly 1,000 years old. The moment we opened the car doors, we were hit with that incredible cedar scent. The trail is easy and dog-friendly (we learned after the fact that leashed pups are allowed, though we took turns exploring just in case). Even in the rain, the forest felt magical. The largest cedar, once over 175 feet tall, is fenced off now, but the surrounding giants are just as awe-inspiring. It’s a quick stop, but one of those hidden gems that makes a road trip day feel full and rich. Afternoon: Drive to Ruby Beach From Forks, it’s a 30-minute drive south on US-101 to Ruby Beach. The turnoff is well marked, but cell service can be spotty, so you will want to download directions before you go. There’s a small parking lot and an overflow area down the road, with bathrooms and dog waste stations before you head down the quarter-mile trail. Dramatic sea stacks line Ruby Beach Even before your feet hit sand, the view from the trail is iconic: sea stacks rising out of the mist, driftwood piled high, and dark sand dotted with red-hued minerals that give Ruby Beach its name. Exploring Ruby Beach This is one of the most dramatic dog-friendly beaches in Olympic National Park. Our pups Toby and Lily were practically dragging us down the trail, eager to climb on the driftwood and sniff every piece of seaweed. There are two ways to access the sand: Scramble over the driftwood Or take the easier carved-out path around it (better for leashed dogs). Once you’re on the beach, it’s a mile of rugged beauty. Huge sea stacks loom in the distance, and when the tide is low, you can find starfish, anemones, and urchins in the tide pools. Unfortunately, we arrived as the tide rolled in, so the sea life had already tucked back into the ocean. If you want tide-pooling, you’ll want to get there about an hour before low tide. Even without tide pools, Ruby Beach is incredible. We ducked into driftwood shelters, watched waves crash around the rocks, and felt small walking alongside the sea stacks. The dogs tolerated the rain (with some dramatic side-eyes from Toby) but loved running across the open sand. Ruby Beach can get busy in the afternoons, but it didn’t feel packed. Other visitors even offered to snap photos of us, which we appreciated since our hands were full of leashes and camera gear. Ducking in and out of the driftwood structures. These sea stacks are HUGE! Evening: Back to Forks or La Push After a day of exploring the coast, head back to Forks (45 minutes from Kalaloch) or stop for another sunset walk at First Beach in La Push on your way. Either way, you’ll sleep well with salty hair, sandy shoes, and tired pups. 🌊 Day two balances the ruggedness of Ruby Beach with the quirky wonder of the Tree of Life and the quiet awe of Big Cedar. All three are easy to pair into one coastal loop, making it a must-do day from Forks. Day 3 – Mossquatch Trails & Rialto Beach Adventure By day three, we were ready for something low-key in the morning before heading back out to the coast. With trails right outside our tent and one of Olympic’s most rugged beaches just 20 minutes away, this day turned into the perfect mix of forest calm and wild coastline. Morning: Hiking Around Mossquatch Resort One of the underrated perks of staying at Mossquatch Resort is that you don’t have to get in the car to go exploring. A network of trails winds through the moss-draped forest just behind camp, and they’re dog-friendly, perfect for a slow start to the day. We grabbed coffee and leashes, then let Toby and Lily lead the way. The ground was soft and spongy from the constant drizzle, banana slugs inched along the path, and the whole place smelled like cedar and wet earth. It wasn’t a long hike, but it gave us that peaceful feeling without the stress of crowds or parking lots. We didn’t spot Bigfoot, but we did fall for their mossy mascot. They have a waterfall a few minutes hike from the tents! If you’re staying here, definitely take advantage of these trails. They’re especially nice in the morning when the fog is still hanging low over the trees. Afternoon/Evening: Rialto Beach In the afternoon, we drove out to Rialto Beach, one of Olympic’s most dog-friendly stretches of coast. Getting there is easy: just 20 minutes from Forks, following WA-110 to Mora Road until the road ends at the parking lot. There are bathrooms, trash bins, and a short path straight onto the beach. These look like awesome skipping rocks Rialto feels like the wilder cousin of Ruby or First Beach. Instead of soft sand, the shoreline is layered with smooth gray stones and bleached driftwood. We didn’t push all the way to Hole-in-the-Wall (a 3.3-mile round-trip walk best done at low tide), but even sticking close to the parking lot was worth it. We even spotted a seal bobbing its head up and down in the surf! Rialto with Dogs Unlike First Beach where pups can run free off leash, Rialto requires leashes, which meant Toby and Lily couldn’t sprint like they wanted to. They still sniffed their way across the stones and driftwood, though by this point in the trip they were both a little “over” the constant drizzle. If you go, bring: Ponchos or rain jackets — it’s almost always misty. Binoculars — wildlife spotting is half the fun. Tide chart — if you want to reach Hole-in-the-Wall safely. They weren’t fans of the drizzle. We spotted a seal in the ocean! Evening Return After a couple of damp hours at the coast, we headed back to Mossquatch. The best part? Ending the night in the sauna, warming up after a gray but beautiful day on the water. 🪨 Day three balances a slow, cozy morning in the forest with a wild, moody evening at Rialto Beach, making it perfect if you want a less driving-heavy day while still getting that Olympic coastal drama. Day 4 – Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest After three days of misty beaches and cozy forest hikes, our last morning near Forks was reserved for one of Olympic’s icons: the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest. The Drive into the Hoh Rainforest From Mossquatch Resort, it’s about an hour-long drive (40 miles) to the Hoh entrance. The road winds along the Hoh River, with plenty of pull-offs if you want to stop and take enjoy the view. Even before reaching the trail, the scenery shifts into a wall of green: ferns carpeting the forest floor, moss draped across every branch, mist hanging low in the canopy. We reached the entrance by 9am, and while the main lot was already filling, we were able to grab a spot along the roadside without waiting in line. Hiking the Hall of Mosses The Hall of Mosses isn’t a “hike” so much as a 1-mile loop walk through another world. Towering Sitka spruce and bigleaf maples are completely covered in moss, ferns blanket the ground, and even fallen logs look alive under their green coats. Every corner felt cinematic: arches of mossy branches, hollow trunks big enough to walk through, and footbridges crossing small creeks. We paused often, partly to take photos, but mostly to just take it all in. Beautiful moss draped trees. Some of the banana slugs are HUGE! The rainforest is surprisingly quiet, but look closely and it’s full of life. On our visit, the highlight was spotting a banana slug the size of my hand across the trail. In late summer or fall, you might also catch salmon running in Taft Creek. Tips for Visiting Arrive early. Parking fills by mid-morning, especially in summer. No dogs allowed. Unlike the beaches, the Hoh trails are pup-free, so Toby and Lily stayed cool in the car. Accessibility. The nearby visitor center has wheelchair rentals, making this one of the more inclusive trails in the park. Bring your camera. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the scale of the moss-draped giants. Explore Beyond the Hall If you have extra time, the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) and Hoh River Trail are right next door. Otherwise, this stop pairs perfectly with a quick detour back to the coast; La Push, Ruby Beach, or Kalaloch’s Tree of Life are all within reach. Driving alongside the Hoh River, with this stunning view right outside Your 4-Day Itinerary at a Glance DayWhat to Do1Stay: Mossquatch Resort, Forks or Kalaloch LodgeMorning: Explore Forks (Twilight locations)Evening: First Beach at La Push2Midday: Tree of Life and Big CedarAfternoon: Ruby BeachEvening: Return to Forks or La Push3Morning: Hike around Mossquatch ResortAfternoon / Evening: Rialto Beach4Morning: Hall of Mosses walk through the Hoh Rainforest With that, our Forks-area dog-friendly itinerary wrapped up. From here, we packed up camp and drove north toward Sekiu and Neah Bay, ready to trade mossy forests for sea stacks, cliffs, and the far edge of the Olympic Peninsula.",
  "title": "Our 4-Day Dog-Friendly Olympic Peninsula Itinerary (Based in Forks)",
  "updatedAt": "2025-08-25T21:56:31.000Z"
}