
4.6
2 of 21 Best Attractions in Forks

To find this oddity of nature, go to the Kalaloch camping parking lot.
Find trail to beach, tree is straight ahead.

The tree was easy to find and parking was available. We walked down some stairs to the beach, and there it was! It is so interesting to see how it remains living despite the exposed roots. There is also a nice view of the ocean behind you.

Great place to get some pictures at sunset with good light. A short walk from the Kalaloch campground.

As we were staying in a cabin at the Lodge, we went up the beach and checked this out. I was quite surprised to see the tree still clinging to the bluff.
It's free and it doesn't take a long walk - go see it!

Fantastic photo opportunities here! It's right along the beach by the Kalaloch Campgrounds. Worth a visit!

It took us 6 years to actually go visit this incredible example of the greatness of Mother Nature! Words hardly do it justice...I was awestruck by the Majesty of this living monument before my eyes! Anyone who visits our beautiful PNW must take the time to include this site on your must see list!!!

Walk to this from the beach at the campgrounds. Tree roots exposed and small cave errosion will eventually claim the tree.

We overheard someone talking about this tree, and it's very easy to find. Park at the Kalaloch Campground, and take the path to the beach. When you hit sand, turn right (north) and it's just steps down the beach.
WARNING! Do not attempt to go out there at high tide, or when the tide is coming in. Unless you're in waders, you will get soaked -- and logs in the surf are a real danger.
Just go when the tide is out, because the view is really best when you stand back from the cliff a bit.

The Tree of Life just north of the Main Kalaloch Campground is showing signs of collapse. The cave is still open for climbing under the tree roots, but in this dry summer, the cave moisture has disappeared and a small washout has brought down part of the once suspended root system. This natural wonder should be seen soon before tidal action and additional dry conditions cause its entire collapse. Follow the campground parking lot to the ocean edge trail, descend a few steep steps then walk northbound about thirty feet...voila! Enjoy while we still have it and celebrate with photos!

This place is so beautiful great pictures easy to find & plenty of parking located in the campground

I saw a comment that said the tree is no longer standing but as of April 23, 2017 it is definitely still there. Here is a picture of what it looked like yesterday the 23rd. It's still incredible and a must see if you're in the area!!!!

We found this online called the Tree of Life but had a hard time locating it only because it wasn't marked anywhere as a stop on 101. Just pull into the campground, walk down the stairs to the beach and walk 100 steps to the right. It's amazing how nature always finds a way.

Apart from rivers, lakes and good trails don't forget the sea coast in the Olympic Park.
This site is quite strange with a cave underneath a tree.

This tree has been strung across this trench for years. Its affectionately known as the "Tree of Life"

We were making our way around the 101 loop and I knew we had to fit this stop in as a neat photo op is always high on my list especially when its this easily accessible! Park at Kaladock campground and walk down to the beach and head nirth a couple minutes. Can't miss it!

We were heading south after visiting Ruby Beach and stopped here to see the cave. Turn off Hwy 101 into the Kalaloch Campground and head for the far side of the parking lot. Here you'll find a small path that leads down to the sandy beach. It's only a 5 minute walk and then you're there. When you get to the bottom of the steps onto the beach, turn right and the tree root cave is right there. It's a pretty cool sight to see and well worth taking 15 minutes to stop. The beach was full of shells too. We didn't see any Trolls or Hobbits when we were there.

This was a an amazing site to see as it seems all of the tree roots are exposed yet the tree just keeps on going. I would think at some point this will collapse so glad we were able to see it. We parked in the Kalaloch Campground lot and it was a short walk down the stairs from there.

Amazing how this tree stays where it is. Come see it before it give in and falls. There is a cave under the roots for a picture opportunity.

I was so intreagued to find this place. I went to the Forks Chamber of Commerce and got information and maps after finding it on Trip Advisor. Take 101 south and keep an eye out. Amazing roots.

This is, to say the least, a very interesting tree. Obviously, it has had erosion under it from storms and tides. To say I question how it is still there and has been hanging on for years is an understatement. This tree is an easy walk down some stairs to the beach to view so pretty much anyone can get there. If you are in the area definitely stop in and spend 15 minutes to check it out.

Tree Root Cave is a crazy weird natural phenomenon brought on by erosion. Beautiful beach which is actually within a campground, Kalaloch Campground. The easiest and best way there is to park in the campground parking lot and take the beach trail down to the beach, go straight as you come down and off the stairs, it's a short walk to the tree. Little waterfall under the tree as well.
Quite beach with lots to see.

If you park in the Kalaloch campground parking (when you first pull in) and just walk down the steps and you are on the beach and the Tree of Life is right to your right. Lovely beach also.

This tree is just a short distance up the beach from Kalaloch and it is something to see. What this tree is living on is beyond me but you talk about a fighter. It is beautiful

Great quick stop! Park at Kaloloch Campground main parking lot. Take path to beach and walk a couple hundred feet and it is on the right. Note: must be able to climb stairs.

This is a quick little walk down some stairs from the parking lot. Our kids loved it and the beach is beautiful too. Go down the stairs and turn right--you can see it if you drive through the campground too, but you can't get to it. Lots of fun for a quick little stop.

Amazing, indescribable, beautiful, miraculous are just a few of the adjectives to describe this tree. You must get down to the ocean shore to actually experience and visit. From the Kalaloch Campground, take the steps to the sea, head about fifty yards north and you’ll see the cave with a waterfall at the back.

Stayed at Kalaloch Lodge for a few days and explored Quinault Rain Forest and several beaches. This tree, which is also called Will to Live was a short walk up the beach from the Lodge. Definitely worth visiting. It is amazing how this tree continues to live.

Fun way to see nature doing it’s thing! It’s amazing to see this tree still hanging on by what seems like very little. Simply awe inspiring in person!!

We went to see the tree from Forks and it was well worth the trip. From Forks it is about 30 - 40 minutes drive. Go south oh HWY 101 from Forks and turn into Kalaloch campground, head down to the beach and turn right, and its about a 2 minute walk.

This was one of the sites I wanted to see on our trip. It was easy to get to, just park in the parking lot by the campgrounds, there was an extremely helpful park ranger working that told us to go down the steps and to the right about a hundred steps we’d see it. It was pretty neat. You have to climb over some logs to get under it, but if you’re there, may as well do it. The beach was clean and nearly empty at 5 in the evening so we walked and picked up sand dollars. It was worth the look and I enjoyed the time spent walking with my family.

Hard to believe this tree is barely hanging on by a few tendrils of roots and still alive! You can get there easily by parking in the Kalaloch Camping parking area and take the rather rugged short hike down to the beach - it's just ahead on the right. The tree is a Sitka spruce and no one seems to know how old it is. Can't imagine how it has survived years of brutal costal storms!! Ya gotta see it!!!

Obligatory stop to go and greet this very surprising tree. Nature is sometimes facetious
and what's more; the beach is magnificent and grandiose

Definitely worth the stop. Park at the Kalaloch campground day parking (free). A short walk to the steps leading down to the beach (about 10 stairs). It’s located not far from the stairs.
Not handicap accessible, but if you are able to climb the stairs and walk a short distance on sand, it’s worth it.
My 5 year old nephew totally thinks a dragon lives there.

It's known as the Tree of Life and for hundreds of years it has clung impossibly to the sides of a cave on the beach at Olympic National Park.
With most of its roots dangling in midair it should have fallen victim to storms and time long ago, but it stands as a testament to the powerful forces of life.
The tree is just a short hike down to the beach from the trail at the end of the campground for Kalaloch Lodge.

Easy access from the campground, down the stairs and to the right, family-friendly, great place for pictures, the beach is soft and wide open and very pet friendly, my German Shepherd ran and ran and ran.

This was a stop we made on our family vacation through the Pacific Northwest. There is plenty of parking. You have to go down some steep steps to get to the beach to see the tree. I did not see any place that a handicapped person could get down there, but I could have missed it. The tree is amazing and it makes you realize that nature will find a way.

Really an interesting growth. Large roots partially covering entrance to a small cave of sorts. Makes for great photo shoot. Definately want to check this one out. Easy access from the Kalaloch campground parking lot.

It's neat! You can stand under the tree's root system. And the walls are weeping.
It's also pretty hard to find, and well used. Some guy climbed up into the roots while we were viewing it, which seemed disrespectful.

The Tree Root Cave, popularly known as the tree of life is accessible from a mostly sandy beach, which you can enter via the Kalaloch Campsite. The stroll down the beach is pleasant, with a lot of driftwood and large tree trunks on the beach. The tree itself is photogenic. I feel it is a little hyped - I expected it to be spanning two great cliffs or something, but it is in fact a few feet off the ground. It’s interesting how people find different metaphors in it : some about bridging divides, or thriving in adversity, others about the suffering you bring to yourself by trying to divide your energy in two separate ways. It’s worth a stop and do go eat or drink in the Kalaloch Lodge afterwards as that’s a nice, nearby spot that you can get to by foot along a roadside footpath.

A quick & easy walk from the campground. It’s worth a glance! Only a few hundred yards from the beach entrance.

Worth a quick stop to walk out on the beach to photo the tree root cave. It looks like it may not be there much longer with all the ground erosion. Parking is available for day use next to the campground. The trail to the tree is easy access but it does involve stairs.

Visited the tree of life and the tree root cave with my daughter. We drove up from Olympia during a 24 hr layover she had. Had lunch at the nearby lodge, which was good, and walked down the beach about .5 miles to the tree.

My kids were not nearly as excited or impressed by this spot as I was, but they enjoyed themselves. The beach was not very crowded.

Such a unique scenic site. It's only a matter of time before this marvel is gone so be sure to check it out if you're in the area. There's ample parking nearby and it's along a gorgeous coast. THe beauty of the PNW doesn't get much better than this.

WOW!!!!!! This tree is amazing and the sand on the beach was fantastic. I love this place. I would recommend this as a must stop place if your in the area. The sunsets here are awesome too.

As you drive on 101 there are signs for Kalaloch Campgroung. There is plenty of parking. Walk out to the trail going to the beach. As you face the ocean the tree is on your right. Its a beautiful tree that makes you feel its doing a split. Its holding onto both sides with its roots. Its a magical experience.

Right on Kalaloch beach, which is a beautiful beach, is this tree. It is a wonderment! What a testament of perseverance and strength! It was much larger than anticipated and we looked like specks standing under it. So worth a trip here and glad we stayed at the lodge to have easy access in early morning when barely anyone was there!

This was so incredibly easy to find and definitely worth it! It has a cute driftwood staircase down to the beach (the last step was a bit of a big one for me as I am only 5' tall), but the tree is on the right side, less than 100 feet from the steps. Plus, we found approx 50 sand dollars as well!

This is a very interesting tree root system. I would not make a special trip to see it however if you are in the area and need a break it is rather interesting. You need to go down to the beach and then make a right to see it

This was a cool little stop on our way to our next destination. While the cave was a little smaller than I expected, it was still pretty neat to see. In addition, my hubs and dog loved the break in the drive. Worth the 20 min stop.

This anomaly of nature is truly unique. It is easy to get to from the trail at the campground just North of Kalaloch Lodge. Park, take trail to beach, go North and it is on the right.

We wouldn't have known about this Tree Root Cave except we were told about it by forest rangers that we happened onto at the Kalaloch Camp Ground. From that area you park and walk north 75 yards along the ocean to find the location.

We were going to Ruby Beach so decided to stop here. It's only 10 minutes away. You have to park in the campground (no cost) and walk down the path to the beach. The tree is to the right once you get on the beach. Worth the stop.

We were really excited to see this tree, and I was still surprised by how much I enjoyed it. You walk down the beach access from the campground main parking, and it's about a minute walk from the bottom. Keep going straight from the walkway, with the ocean on your left and the cliffs on your right.

It is really cool! There was parking (even on Labor Day weekend!) and it’s a really really short walk to the tree when you park at the campground. I didn’t see anywhere wheelchair accessible. You might not be able to get a picture without someone else in it, but it’s worth seeing!

Was told to go see this when I was in the area. A very cool thing to see and the beach is also very nice. Access can be a bit tough for someone with walking issues but if you can get down there, you should. You may have to wait a bit to get a picture but it is something very interesting up close.

This tree I heard is called the "Tree of Life" was recommended by a waitress at Kalaloch lodge. This short hike 1/4 mile, was worth the view. Found some sea dollars on walk to tree and did not see another person on my walk.

Pretty cool to see. Unique, to be sure, but nothing more than what pictures show. If you're out there, it is a fun natural feature to see while enjoying some time at the beach, but I wouldn't say it requires a stop in and of itself....but if you want to pick a location to enjoy the beach for a while, this tree cave makes this location "better" than other options.

We were driving the highway 101 loop around the Olympic Peninsula & stopped here to check it out, so glad that we did!

This tree is amazing how it clings for life to the edges as the dirt beneath it gradually weathers away. Our family took lots of pictures.

The tree is very close to the north from the beach access of the camp ground parking lot at the entrance.

This is a short walk from kalaloch campground. Interesting to see how the tree is just hanging on! We were there at low tide so the water was far away.

The "tree of life" is a spruce that grows on the rugged Pacific coast at the edge of Olympic National Park (exactly between two cliffs - which is probably what makes it so special and distinguishes it as the most popular photo subject).
The tree itself is a little tricky to find, meaning if you're coming from the south on US101 heading north towards Hoh Rainforest, about 40 miles away, then just past Kalaloch Lodge turn left towards the campsite (and then follow the footpath towards the sea or the Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail).

It is easy to get to if you park at the camp ground and walk down the stairs. It will be to your right. it is truly one of a kind. The day we went there weren't many people, but the sjy was a little gloomy. But it was well worth the trip.

I had my granddaughters with me so we defiantly had to stop there. The beach that its on is spectacular!

We had seen photos and read about the tree online.
So we decided next time in Olympic we'd stop and see it.
It really is so beautiful and stunning, worth stopping off for.
Nature is amazing!

Road tripping along the coast in the Olympic Peninsula, this was an enjoyable stop. Was a comfortable 70 degree cloudy day. Tree is cool.

If you ever wondered what a tree’s root systems look like underground, this is the place to find out!
Park at the Kalaloch Campground right off Highway 101 just North of Kalaloch Lodge, walk to the beach, turn right at the bottom of the steps, and it’s not too far from there.
The cliff is eroded and the tree’s roots are hanging on for dear life on both sides, creating a cave below.

We were staying at Lake Quinalt, so we decided to take a quick drive out here to see the Tree of Life. I parked at one of the beach access parking lots, but the stairs have actually tipped over and fallen down from the main land/path by about two feet. My 12yo son and I were still able to use them and climb down, just be very careful. The tree itself is huge and it's very cool to see. It's definitely slumping down so it's something to see if you're in the area. The beach right there was long, wide, and smooth. A lot of driftwood in the area too. Really cool spot!

An interesting site to visit along with Ruby Beach and the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic National Park.
Lunch at Kalloch Lodge is an experience, open Pacific Ocean and excellent food ($25 per person.)

It’s referred to as the “Tree of Life”. I wouldn't have known about this Tree Root Cave except I were told about it by
the staff at the Lodge.
I happened onto at the Kalaloch Camp Ground by walking in the amazing beach. From that area you park and walk north 50- 75 yards along the ocean to find the location. It is literally hanging in the air. You may walk into the cave and look up. There’s an amazing tonage to this tree hanging over the cave. It’s an ancient Sitka spruce. One of the best trees in this Valley of the Giants.

We were awe struck at the Tree Of Life. Like us humans, you can see the lengths this tree has gone through to survive. I am a cancer survivor and this tree meant So much to me. I hope everyone can connect to such a beautiful tree

One of the best beach experiences in Washington is visiting the "Tree of Life" near Kalaloch Campground, just north of the Kalaloch Creek and Kalaloch Lodge. Here are Kalaloch Beach 2 you are on a sand beach with a clay bluff covered with trees holding the sand together against the erosion of the Pacific waves.
However, in one section of the bluff is a tree that defies both nature and logic. The bluff under this mature tree has been totally eroded to expose the roots of the tree, only supported while suspended in the air by roots growing into the bluff on each side. While weathered and stunted, the tree is fairly large and mature which makes it survival all the more interesting and amazing. You can actually walk under the tree and its roots.
I visited the tree on two occasions, first on an afternoon walk with friends in the sun and a cloudy morning walk by myself. It was great yet so different to see both times. In fact, the "Tree of Life" makes Kalaloch #2 one of the beaches you must see when visiting Olympic NP. It is a really unique and great thing to see on this stretch of beach within the National Park.

The folks at Kalalach Lodge told us to make sure to check out the Tree of Life, so my husband and I took a wonderful walk on the beach to see it. It was a really neat tree and a beautiful scenic walk along the beach to get there.

It is amazing that this Tree of Life continues to survive after the dirt underneath it has eroded away over time. It's a short walk from the parking lot down a small slope.

The "Tree of Life" is an iconic landmark along the Washington Coast. The root system just goes to show that you should never give up! How it has survived all of these years is quite a mystery considering the roots are hanging on for dear life to just a small amount of soil along the edges of the opening.
There were some broken roots because we found out that someone thought it was good place to hang a hammock and take a snooze. Why would someone think that this is okay is beyond me. Please take care of these precious resources and leave them alone for others to enjoy the beauty.

I searched for other things to do while visiting Forks and La Push. So after hiking through the Hoh Rainforest, we just had to see this Tree of Life that continues to survive even though most of its roots are exposed to air, how can that be? There are no clear answers, and this tree is enormous, quite beautiful, and Instagram-worthy!

Easy to get to. just off the highway at the campground. good parking with restrooms. the trail down to the beach is a little steep and has steps. you must climb over some logs but they are small. The day we went it was misting and blowing and the ocean was all churned up... It was wonderful. The tree is right there at the bottom and you can walk right up to it. Fun excursion!

Be sure to access this from the Kalaloch camp grounds, rather than the Kalaloch Lodge. If you hike up from the Lodge you will have to cross over the creek. Coming from the camp grounds, the tree is just to the left when you get down the stairs.

Just north of Kalaloch Lodge/Restaurant, you can turn west into the parking lot for Kalaloch Campground. Park there and walk to the end of the parking lot and there will be a trail down to the beach. It is well maintained, but steep. Walk north up the beach about 50 yards and there you will find the tree root cave. So interesting to see. And at low tide, the water is far way from the tree cave, so no worries about getting wet from ocean waves.
It is worth the stop just to see this poster child (tree) for what perseverance in the face of adversity looks like! Very inspirational! :)

We stumbled across this as we walked along the beach, and were pleased to have a stranger offer to take our picture in front of it. Just another example of the amazing creation!

I go every year for 4 decades to see this beautiful tree. To see several generations love this place.

The weather was a bit cloudy but who cares. Easily accessed through a parking lot and short walk on the beach. The tree is gorgeous. Expect a lot of people there taking pictures

The soil has eroded away from under this tree along the beach in Kalaloch leaving the tree hanging by its roots across the ravine under it. It’s a fun formation to see and the beach area is fun to explore.

First time here, and well worth the drive! The location had lots of paved parking, with clean restrooms. The hike down to the beach was not bad, but the steps going down were very high and steep. But once on the beach, it was worth it!

We took our 2 dogs here and parked along the road. We found a trail that went down a steep hill to the beach, however we had to climb over a massive (and dangerous I might add) pile of driftwood. We found out later that we should have parked (paid to park?) at the Kalaloch campground day use area. Other than that, the beach is beautiful. We came upon this cave accidentally- didn't realize it was an attraction here.

Short walk down some steps near the campground. If you are staying at Kalaloch Lodge, don't try to walk! Well you can but maybe bring some waders to get through all the runoff that can get up to waist deep. Beautiful tree, I took a picture and decided to title it, "Surviving What Life Throws at You"

The “tree of life” is just a 2 min walk from the Kalaloch camp ground parking lot. There is a waterfall behind it, which adds to the awe! It has a beautiful “bonsai” appearance to it, and shocking that still alive after the bottom caved in!

Great site to see, but plan to do more than just see this extraordinary site. The beach is great and camping in the state park might be an option.

Worth the drive, beautiful beach with an easy walk from the car park to the tree. The stairs to the beach are broken at the beach end. The beach is still accessible if you’re careful. I’m a sixty year old obese woman and was able to get to the beach. But it is a climb.

An easy drive, park, walk you can get to the Cave Tree or Tree of Life quite easily. Note that there are steps, and you may have to climb over some of the driftwood stacks to stand beneath. It all makes for a rather cool photo op. If you have a tripod, bring it... and you can get everyone in the photo.
Careful on the logs... in this area, they're fond of "Beach Logs Kill" so be sure you have solid footing and a firmly positioned driftwood log to stand upon before you go scrambling over.
I spoke with the ranger about the tree.... she advised that 1) Some people have hung a hammock under it while camping.... 2) Someone actually built a campfire beneath it... and 3)... people hang on it all the time....
All three are a no no.... Do not hang things on the root system, including using it like monkey bars for a funny photo. And I don't know what moron thought building a fire beneath it was a good idea, but clearly it's stupid, dangerous, and thoughtless.
So, while there are tons of photos here, I think you might as well see it in person if you're in the area. Nice spot, easy access. (Not handicap accessible).

Park in the parking lot at the Kalaloch campground, take a set of stairs down to the beach, and the tree is just a very short walk (to the right of where we used the stairs, I believe). It's a pretty beach, the tree was the highlight for us. Not as much to look at as there was at Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach, but completely worth a short stop.

Pretty cool. I wasn't expecting anything special, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a fairly large tree suspended by its branches with the massive roots exposed. A lot of tourists were touching the roots and climbing inside the cave (when it was stated to not do that). The beach is also beautiful with the fog rolling in. Nice campgrounds just above. Easy access to the beach from the day use parking lot (no permit required) and dogs are allowed on a leash. Also called "The Tree of Life".

The tree is holding on for dear life. So it seems. No one could have planned it or expected it, but weather and time combined to put this tree in a beautiful location. Check it out if you have a few minutes to spare.
If a hole opens in the ground, lesser trees would have given up by now. But, not this tree! This one is not going without a fight.
Note: It is easy to reach. Use the main parking lot for the Kalaloch Campground and Beach, follow the trail indicated by the sign that says “Beach Trail <-“ to get down to the beach, then turn right. You will see your destination almost immediately.