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Legend has it, that the Quileute people are descendants of wolves.

Long ago, a traveling shape-shifter came upon a wolf in the woods and transformed him into a man, creating the first member of the Quileute tribe. Since that time, the clan has quietly lived in La Push—on a small strip of beachfront along a forgotten corner of Washington State.

That history might have remained a footnote in Quileute ancestry, had it not been for the sudden hysteria surrounding werewolves and vampires sweeping the northwest portion of the state. 

In case you haven’t heard, the towns of La Push and Forks play central roles in the Twilight novels created by Stephanie Meyers. The moody weather provides a backdrop for the tragic teen-vampire-werewolf-love story. And the books and subsequent films are poised to be the next Harry Potter.

While vegetarian vampires secretly inhabit Forks, a rival family of werewolves call La Push their home. It is unclear whether author Meyers knew of the lore surrounding the 750-member Quileute tribe, but La Push has been suddenly thrust into the spotlight of worldwide tweener recognition (some of whom side with the werewolves in the love triangle). 

Stephanie Franklin, age 14, came all the way from Houston on her spring break to take the Dazzled by Twilight tour, which includes two stops in La Push. Just up the road at The Treaty Line Restaurant, Donna Ingram has seen business double thanks to Twilight pilgrims from as far away as Arkansas and Germany.

Even if you are not a fan of the stories, La Push is an ideal place to disappear for a while. There isn’t much to the town—no year-round restaurants and only one general store. Don’t even bother to bring your phone because (gasp!) it won’t have reception. In fact, there’s little to do but sit by the fire, lose yourself in the stunning beauty, or walk on the beach … perfect.

The town has been an underground surf destination for years. Gray whales visit the bay during spring migration, and frequently swim with surfers—coming close enough to the shore for beachcombers to see barnacles on their faces.

La Push is surrounded by Olympic National Park’s undeveloped costal region. To the east: towering 6,000 foot peaks. It’s back yard: The fabulous Hoh rainforest, dripping with moss soaked trees.

The Quileutes have built perfect little bungalows from which to view the sea stacks and stormy weather. The La Push Oceanside Resort highlights their woodcarving heritage and the cabins include picture windows, kitchens, gas fireplaces and jetted tubs with views of the ocean.

For now at least, La Push’s soggy inhabitants with K-9 lineage are embracing their newfound fame and welcoming visitors with open arms.

… That is of course, unless you’re secretly a vampire.

Drive time from Seattle: 3.5 hours, including ferry
When you get there: Take a Twilight Tour (360-574-TOUR), spend a day in the Hoh Rainforest or go beach walking around La Push. Visit www.nps.gov/olym for more information.