Is Forks, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Forks, Washington, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Forks planning department and Clallam County, as short-term rentals typically require business licenses and may have zoning restrictions in residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a Washington State business license, local business license from Forks City Hall, and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in certain residential zones. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home, cabin, or apartment in areas zoned for short-term rentals, with properties near Olympic National Park and vampire tourism sites commanding premium rates of $80-150 per night. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture including quality beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities like maps of nearby hiking trails and Twilight filming locations. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Coast, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (peak summer months), and write descriptions emphasizing the unique Forks experience. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and potentially hiring local cleaning services or property management companies if you're not residing in the area, while ensuring compliance with Washington State's 8.4% sales tax collection requirements for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Forks, Washington, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown Forks and Olympic National Park entrances, particularly properties near the Hoh River, Sol Duc, or along Highway 101 corridors that attract Twilight tourism and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins, cottages, or homes with rustic charm, fireplaces, hot tubs, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 4-8 guests, as these appeal to families and groups visiting for hiking, fishing, and vampire-themed tourism. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during summer months (June-September) and Twilight-related events. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local vacation rental companies like Olympic Peninsula Vacation Rentals, noting that Forks has limited inventory creating opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local tourism data from Forks Chamber of Commerce to assess demand patterns, while considering that successful properties often achieve 60-75% occupancy rates during peak season due to the area's unique position as both a Twilight destination and gateway to Olympic National Park's temperate rainforest attractions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Forks, Washington, you must first contact the Forks City Hall at 500 E Division Street or call (360) 374-6241 to obtain a business license application, as Forks requires short-term rentals to operate under a general business license framework. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking and occupancy details, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and a fire safety inspection certificate from the Clallam County Fire District. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. You must also comply with zoning requirements (most residential areas allow STRs with proper permits), maintain adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and ensure compliance with septic system capacity if not connected to city sewer. The approval timeline is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though initial inspections may add 1-2 weeks. Once approved, you'll receive a business license that must be renewed annually, and you're required to collect and remit city business taxes quarterly at a rate of approximately 0.5% of gross receipts, plus Washington state sales tax of 6.5% and any applicable lodging taxes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Forks, Washington, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with Washington state regulations including business licensing requirements, tax collection obligations, and safety standards. Clallam County, where Forks is located, requires STR permits and has implemented regulations around parking, occupancy limits, and noise restrictions. Properties must meet building and fire safety codes, and operators are required to collect and remit state and local taxes including the Washington State Retail Sales Tax and applicable lodging taxes. The city has seen increased STR activity due to tourism related to the Twilight series filming locations and Olympic National Park proximity, but there have been ongoing discussions about potential zoning restrictions in residential areas. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying permit requirements, though Forks has been more permissive compared to larger Washington cities that have implemented stricter caps and operational restrictions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Forks, Washington are the downtown core along Forks Avenue and South Forks Avenue, which offers proximity to restaurants, shops, and serves as the central hub for Twilight tourism that brings thousands of fans annually to visit filming locations and Twilight-themed businesses. The residential neighborhoods immediately west and south of downtown, particularly around Bogachiel Way and Calawah Way, are attractive due to their quiet, forested settings that appeal to visitors seeking the authentic Pacific Northwest experience while remaining within walking distance of town amenities. Properties near the Quillayute River and Sol Duc River areas attract fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors, especially during salmon runs from May through October. The neighborhoods closest to Olympic National Park access points, particularly those near the Hoh River Road turnoff, are highly desirable for eco-tourists, hikers, and nature photographers visiting the temperate rainforest. Areas along Highway 101 corridor offer convenience for travelers exploring the Olympic Peninsula loop, while properties with views or access to the nearby logging roads appeal to hunters during deer and elk seasons from September through November.

Airbnb properties in Forks, Washington are subject to Washington State's retail sales tax of 6.5% and the state's lodging tax of 0.2%, both of which apply to short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. Clallam County imposes an additional lodging tax of approximately 2-3% on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to roughly 8.7-9.7%. The City of Forks may impose its own local lodging tax of 1-2%, though specific rates should be verified with city officials. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the Washington State Department of Revenue on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the volume of transactions. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the state, obtain a business license, and file returns using the state's online system. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Forks, Washington, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in this small logging town. Furnishing costs would run $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture suitable for tourists visiting the Olympic Peninsula. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals would cost approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable would require $500-$800. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing would total approximately $8,000-$12,000, factoring in Forks' seasonal tourism patterns driven by Twilight fans and Olympic National Park visitors.

Airbnb properties in Forks, Washington show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $80-150 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $15,000-35,000 in annual revenue depending on occupancy rates of 40-65%. Operating expenses typically consume 35-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (10-20%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating converted logging cabins or Twilight-themed accommodations achieving higher margins of 25-40% by capitalizing on the town's vampire tourism appeal. Key success factors include strategic location within 10 miles of Olympic National Park, unique theming related to the Twilight series, professional photography, and maintaining high cleanliness standards given the area's outdoor recreation focus. Properties that cater to both Twilight fans and outdoor enthusiasts, offering amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and hiking gear storage, typically outperform basic rentals by 20-30% in both occupancy and nightly rates, with some premium properties achieving annual profits of $12,000-18,000 on initial investments of $200,000-350,000.

Airbnb investments in Forks, Washington can expect annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's unique position as the setting for the Twilight series, which drives consistent tourist traffic year-round. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak tourist seasons (summer and fall) and $80-120 during off-peak periods. The market benefits from limited hotel accommodations in the area, creating strong demand for vacation rentals among Twilight fans, outdoor enthusiasts visiting Olympic National Park, and fishing tourists. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with properties maintaining 60-75% occupancy rates annually. The relatively low property acquisition costs ($200,000-400,000 for suitable rental properties) combined with premium nightly rates driven by the pop culture tourism phenomenon create favorable investment conditions, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and the rural location's impact on property management costs.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering market analysis and property recommendations in Forks, Washington. Local real estate agents in the Olympic Peninsula region such as Windermere Real Estate and John L. Scott Real Estate have agents familiar with vacation rental properties in Forks and surrounding areas. National services like BiggerPockets, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market data and investment analysis tools for short-term rental properties in smaller markets like Forks. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify suitable properties while providing ongoing management. Local property management companies such as Olympic Property Management and Peninsula Property Services understand the Forks market dynamics and can assist with both acquisition and management of Airbnb properties. Real estate investment platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature Pacific Northwest properties, though availability in smaller markets like Forks may be limited. Additionally, local real estate agents specializing in vacation properties, such as those affiliated with Coldwell Banker Olympic Realty, can provide insights into properties suitable for short-term rental conversion in the Forks area.