Forks, Washington

Forks, Washington
City

Seal
Nickname(s): Logging Capital of the World

Location in the state of Washington
Coordinates: 47°57′4″N 124°23′5″W / 47.95111°N 124.38472°W / 47.95111; -124.38472Coordinates: 47°57′4″N 124°23′5″W / 47.95111°N 124.38472°W / 47.95111; -124.38472
Country United States
State Washington
County Clallam
Incorporated August 28, 1945
Government
 • Mayor Bryon Monohon
Area[1]
 • Total 3.65 sq mi (9.45 km2)
 • Land 3.65 sq mi (9.45 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Elevation 300 ft (91 m)
Population (2010)[2]
 • Total 3,532
 • Estimate (2014)[3] 3,717
 • Density 967.7/sq mi (373.6/km2)
Time zone PST (UTC-8)
 • Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code 98331
Area code 360
FIPS code 53-24810
GNIS feature ID 1519696[4]
Website City of Forks

Forks is a city in Clallam County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,532 at the 2010 census.[5] The population was 3,545 at 2012 Estimate from Office of Financial Management. It is named after the forks in the nearby Quillayute, Bogachiel, Calawah, and Sol Duc rivers.

For many years, the city's economy was fueled by the local timber industry. More recently it has drawn tourism related to the movie series Twilight and novels of the same name, set in Forks. With recent declines in the timber industry, Forks has relied on the nearby Clallam Bay Corrections Center and Olympic Corrections Center as sources of jobs. Forks is a popular destination for sport fishers who fish for salmon and rainbow trout in nearby rivers. It is also supported by visitors to Olympic National Park.

It is the largest community in the contiguous United States with a true oceanic climate (Cfb); Forks has no month with less than 40 millimetres (1.6 in) of rain, and no month with an average temperature higher than 22 °C (72 °F). A large number of more populated communities, notably Boone, North Carolina and several cities along the Oregon and Washington coast, come very close to Cfb, but either have non-temperate seasons or lack enough rainfall in the summer to qualify.

History

Forks was officially incorporated on August 28, 1945, following an election of the constituents who would become its first town members.

The city gained popularity for being a key setting in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series (2005 to 2008) and related film adaptations. The city's atmosphere and idyllic Pacific Northwest setting has inspired its being featured in film, literature, and video games.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
19501,120—
19601,1563.2%
19701,68045.3%
19803,06082.1%
19902,862−6.5%
20003,1209.0%
20103,53213.2%
Est. 20143,717[6]5.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
2014 Estimate[3]

2010 census

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,532 people, 1,264 households, and 849 families residing in the city. The population density was 967.7 inhabitants per square mile (373.6/km2). There were 1,374 housing units at an average density of 376.4 per square mile (145.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 67.7% White, 0.5% African American, 6.6% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 18.1% from other races, and 5.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25.9% of the population.

There were 1,264 households of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.8% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.16.

The median age in the city was 31.3 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.5% male and 48.5% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,120 people, 1,169 households, and 792 families residing in the city. The population density was 854.8 people per square mile (330.2/km2). There were 1,361 housing units at an average density of 435.6 per square mile (168.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.47% White, 0.42% African American, 5.03% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 8.49% from other races, and 2.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.54% of the population.

Forks, Washington from south end

There were 1,169 households out of which 36.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 30.4% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 111.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,280, and the median income for a family was $38,844. Males had a median income of $35,718 versus $23,690 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,686. About 14.6% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

Geography and climate

Forks has an oceanic climate in a temperate rainforest with very high rainfall. Although there is a drying trend in summer, rain is still abundant, just not as wet as the rest of the year. Forks averages 212 days per year with measurable precipitation.[8] The Olympic rainforest surrounds the town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.65 square miles (9.45 km2), all of it land.[1]

Government

The City is organized under Washington State law as a Non-charter Code City. Its structure is that of an elected Mayor and a five-member elected City Council. Unlike other cities on the Olympic Peninsula, Forks operates under what is called a "strong Mayor" form of government with the Mayor being the Chief Executive Officer overseeing four department heads (Clerk/Treasurer, Public Works, Police, and Legal/Planning).[14]

Forks Municipal Airport

Forks Municipal Airport

Forks Municipal Airport (IATA: S18, ICAO: KS18, FAA LID: S18) is located in Clallam County, 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of Forks. The Airport has six based aircraft, including 3 single-engine aircraft and 3 helicopters. The latest available data indicate that the Airport had a total of 13,550 annual operations.

Runway 4-22 is Forks Municipal Airport's sole runway. This runway is 2,400 feet (730 m) long, 75 feet (23 m) wide, is equipped with medium intensity runway lighting, and has an asphalt surface. Approaches to both ends of this runway are visual.[15]

Public transportation

Forks is served by two public transit agencies. Clallam Transit route 17 provides local service in Forks, while three other routes provide connections to Port Angeles (14), La Push (15), and Clallam Bay and Neah Bay (16). Jefferson Transit runs an "Olympic Connection" bus that provides service on Highway 101 south of Forks as far as Lake Quinault. From there, transfers to Aberdeen are available via Grays Harbor transit. All five of these bus routes serve Forks six days a week, with no service on Sundays.

Radio stations

KFKB (AM) 1490 and KBDB-FM 96.7 are the two stations serving the area. Both are owned by Forks Broadcasting.

Education

Forks is a part of the Quillayute Valley School District, with Forks High School being the community's high school.

Tourism

Forks Timber Museum

On the south end of town is the Forks Timber Museum. Constructed in 1989 by the Forks High School carpentry class, the 3,200-square-foot (300 m2) building provides a look into the local history of the timber industry, loggers of the past, and their tools of the trade. The museum has exhibits depicting local history dating to the 1870s.[16]

Signs related to the Twilight book/movie series that is set in Forks, Washington
Field in Forks, elk on the left side.

Forks serves as the hub for numerous day excursions to the Hoh Rainforest, the Pacific Beaches, and various wilderness trails.

Another source of tourism is Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, which is set in the town.[17] Tours are available of locations that resemble the places described in Meyer's books. The films were not shot in Forks.[18][19]

The average annual number of tourists visiting the town rose from 10,000 before Twilight to 19,000 in 2008, the year of the first film, and 73,000 by 2010.[20]

Fishing

Forks is well known for its winter steelhead fishing with the Quillayute river system - the Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel and Calawah rivers. Other nearby Clallam, Sekiu and Hoko rivers are also good for king salmon fishing and steelheading as well. Local guides are available for both native and hatchery runs and for float trips. Fishing gear and clothing is available at local stores.

Tillicum Park

Forks Shay Engine

Forks displays one of a few Shay engines remaining in Washington. Shay locomotives are unusual in that they have a crank shaft running down the side, powering all wheels. They were designed to be used to transport lumber out of forests. Rayonier #10 (c/n 3348) was built for stock by Lima in 1930. It has three cylinders and three trucks. The Ozette Timber Company bought it 11 years later. In 1945 it was acquired by Rayonier for their lumber operation near Forks. It was retired near the north end of Forks in Tillicum Park in 1959.

The Forks Lions Club erected an attractive shelter over the #10 in 1999. It has also built and maintained most of the structures in the Shay Tillicum Park over the last 40 years.[21][22][23]

Community events

Trail in nearby Olympic National Park

Rainfest, a celebration of the arts sponsored by the West Olympic Council for the Arts, occurs in April. It includes a combination of arts and craft related events. In recent years quilt classes and a quilt show have been sponsored by the Piece Makers Quilt Club.

In March of every year, the Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction occurs. This annual fundraising event raises tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships. Since the first scholarship award in 1964, to Robert Henry (now D.D.S.), the Committee has awarded over US$1m in scholarships to Forks students.

In the summer, Forks hosts its traditional "Old Fashioned Fourth of July" celebration with a Grand Fourth of July Parade. The numerous events include a demolition derby and fireworks display. July is also the month for Quilyeute Days at La Push with its parade, traditional salmon bake, bone games, softball tournament, canoe races, and street fair. In August, the Forks Family Festival combines arts and crafts vendors with children activities.

In late September, the Forks Chamber of Commerce partners with the Quilyeute Tribe and the City of Forks to host the Last Chance Fishing Derby at La Push; cash prizes are offered to those wanting to fish for salmon on the Pacific Ocean. The first week in October is when the community celebrates its heritage during Heritage Days. One of the more celebrated events during this week-long festival is the "Old Timers Round Table;" this is a moderated conversation broadcast live via the local radio station, featuring longtime residents of the region talking about days long past.

As a result of Stephenie Meyer's series, September 13 has been dubbed "Twilight Day" in Forks. This day celebrates the new attraction for the small town. It is celebrated the day before the fictional Bella's birthday.

See also

Notes

    References

    1. 1 2 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
    2. 1 2 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
    3. 1 2 "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
    4. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
    5. ↑ "2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
    6. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Retrieved June 4, 2015.
    7. ↑ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved July 21, 2014.
    8. ↑ NOAA, Number of days with precipitation for Washington State weather stations
    9. 1 2 "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
    10. ↑ "Station Name: WA QUILLAYUTE STATE AP". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
    11. ↑ "WMO Climate Normals for QUILLAYUTE STATE AP, WA 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
    12. ↑ "Station Name: WA FORKS 1 E". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
    13. ↑ "FORKS 1 E, WASHINGTON, Period of Record General Climate Summary - Temperature". WRCC.
    14. ↑ City of Forks Washington
    15. ↑ Forks Municipal Airport
    16. ↑ Forks Timer Museum
    17. ↑ Whitney Malkin (2008-09-22). "Visitors flock to timber town for Twilight's magic". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
    18. ↑ Dietrich, Heidi (2009-04-18). "Foreign ‘Twilight’ fans alighting on Forks". Puget Sound Business Journal.
    19. ↑ Ramirez, Marc (2008-07-30). "'Twilight' fans pump new blood into Forks, Wash.". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
    20. ↑ Beale, Lewis (2012-03-28). "‘Hunger Games’: North Carolina wants you to visit Panem". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
    21. ↑ Washington Parks and Static Displays
    22. ↑ Andrew Craig Magnuson Lima 3-Truck Shay Forks, Clallam County, Washington
    23. ↑ Anglers Paradise

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Forks, Washington.
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