Day 1: Rialto Beach to Forks
Options for camping near Rialto Beach:
Mora Campground – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/247591
“Where the rainforest meets the sea… and hopefully doesn’t rain on me”
Route Summary: Rialto Beach → La Push Road → US-101 → Forks
- Distance: 14 miles
- Terrain: Mostly flat with gentle rolling hills
- Road Type: Paved, mix of local roads and highway shoulder
Elevation Profile:
Points of Interest
- Rialto Beach Parking Lot (Starting Point)
- Olympic National Park entrance
- Famous sea stacks and driftwood beaches
- Quillayute River Bridge
- Wide shoulder, great river views
- Three Rivers Resort & Guide Shop
- Local landmark, mile 8
- Forks Timber Museum
- Near route end, worth a quick stop
Photo Opportunities
- Rialto Beach Morning Light (mile 0)
- Best during early morning golden hour
- Classic PNW beach shots with sea stacks
- Quillayute River Vista (mile 3.5)
- Pull-off on north side of bridge
- River meets forest panorama
- “Welcome to Forks” Sign (mile 13)
- Obligatory Twilight reference photo op
- Good afternoon light
Side Trips
- First Beach at La Push (2.5 miles each way)
- Worth it if you have extra time
- Native American art gallery
- Fresh seafood at River’s Edge Restaurant
- Second Beach Trail (1.2 miles each way)
- Requires hike, not bike-friendly
- Spectacular sunset spot if staying in area
Lodging Options
- Pacific Inn Motel
- 352 S Forks Ave, Forks
- (360) 374-9400
- Bike-friendly, covered storage
- Clean, basic rooms from $89
- Forks 101 RV Park
- 4150 S Forks Ave
- (360) 374-5300
- $25 tent sites, hot showers
- Covered cooking area
- Olympic National Park – Mora Campground
- 15 miles from route
- Reservation recommended in summer
- $20/night, hiker-biker sites available
Food & Resupply
- Three Rivers Resort Store
- Mile 8 on route
- Basic supplies, snacks
- Limited hours off-season
- Forks Outfitters
- 950 S Forks Ave
- Full grocery store
- Good produce section
- Bike tools and basic parts
Local Favorites
- Pacific Pizza
- 870 S Forks Ave
- The “Logging Camp Special” pizza
- Great recovery meal
- Local loggers’ hangout
- Coffee Cup
- 241 S Forks Ave
- Opens 5am
- Best breakfast in town
- Get the “Logger’s Stack” pancakes
Daily Summary & Tips
This is a gentle first day to ease into your tour. The short distance allows for a late start if you’re driving to the starting point. The shoulder on US-101 is decent but watch for logging trucks – they’re usually courteous but give them space.
Pro Tips:
- Fill water at Rialto Beach – next reliable source is Three Rivers Resort
- Check tide tables if planning beach photos
- Forks Outfitters closes at 8pm (6pm Sundays)
- Call ahead for pizza – they get backed up during tourist season
Weather Note: This section can be very wet. If forecasted heavy rain, consider starting early to avoid afternoon showers. The Coffee Cup in Forks makes a great bail-out point if weather turns nasty.
Tomorrow: We’ll head east toward Lake Crescent, where the real climbing begins!