Forks, Washington: The Rainiest City in the Continental U.S.

If you're seeking the wettest city in Washington State—and one of the rainiest in the entire United States—look no further than Forks. Nestled on the Olympic Peninsula, this small town receives an astonishing average of 122 inches (3,099 mm) of rain annually.

Why So Wet?

Forks sits in a temperate rainforest zone, where moisture-laden winds from the Pacific Ocean collide with the Olympic Mountains, forcing air upward, cooling it, and wringing out prodigious rainfall. The result: lush, moss-draped forests, fern-covered floors, and a landscape that feels primeval.

More Than Rain

The constant moisture supports a unique ecosystem—home to Roosevelt elk, black bears, and towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock. The nearby Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major draw for hikers and nature photographers.

Pop Culture Fame

Forks gained global recognition as the setting for Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, bringing a steady stream of fans to its misty streets.

Visiting Tips

• Pack waterproof everything: jacket, pants, boots, backpack cover.
• Summer (July–September) is relatively drier, but rain is possible year-round.
• Embrace the damp—it's what makes Forks extraordinarily green.

For those who love the sound of rain on a cabin roof and the scent of wet cedar, Forks is a pilgrimage worth making.