Last updated on January 11, 2024.

The biggest attraction in Forks, Washington, other than the vampires, is the Forks Timber Museum. This modest museum on the southern edge of town educates visitors on the history of the town and the local logging industry.

Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Forks Timber Museum
Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Forks Timber Museum

 

Visiting the Museum

The museum, which is open daily year-round, starts out by describing pioneer life in the region. There are artifacts from the history of Forks as well as old photographs on display. Admission is US$3 (as of January 2024).

Repica pioneer cabin at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Repica pioneer cabin

The section about logging is very interesting, especially since Forks was once known as the “logging capital of the world”. We learned a lot about the tools and machinery used by loggers as well as the dangers faced. Daily life for loggers was also covered.

Logging display at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Logging display
Replica logging camp at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Replica logging camp
Chainsaws at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Chainsaws

On the second floor, you can see a hollowed out log discovered by loggers. It was actually an unfinished canoe that was being carved by Native Americans.

Canoe at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Canoe

 

Watchtower

Entrance to the museum covers a visit to an actual fire watchtower that was once used in the area. Items used by the watch person are inside, including bedding, radio equipment, and supplies.

Fire watchtower at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Fire watchtower
Fire watchtower at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Fire watchtower
Inside the fire watchtower at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Inside the fire watchtower

 

Outside the Museum

Outside of the museum, there are a few things to see. First, there’s a short nature walk. Then there’s a huge hollowed out log as well as a tree cabin. Next to the Forks visitor center, there’s a memorial to timber industry workers who have lost their lives while at work.

Hollowed out log at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Hollowed out log
Hollowed out log at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Hollowed out log
Tree cabin at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Tree cabin
Memorial to timber industry workers at the Forks Timber Museum in Forks, Washington
Memorial to timber industry workers

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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