Richwine Gravel Bar sits along the Quillayute River near Forks on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, accessible via the Slough Trail at Quillayute River County Park. This premium fishing location attracts anglers pursuing steelhead, salmon, and other trout species in the productive waters where the Quillayute River flows toward the Pacific Ocean. The gravel bar features smooth river stones deposited by seasonal flows, creating natural platforms for casting lines into the river's deep pools and runs. Surrounded by the lush temperate rainforest characteristic of the western Olympic Peninsula, the setting includes massive Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar draped with moss and ferns. The river's green-tinted waters flow past at varying speeds depending on rainfall and season, with winter and spring bringing high flows while summer and fall offer lower, clearer conditions. The location within Quillayute River County Park provides managed access to this exceptional fishing water, making it a destination for serious anglers from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Eagles and osprey frequently hunt along the river while Roosevelt elk sometimes browse the nearby forest edges.
Fishing dominates activities at Richwine Gravel Bar, with steelhead being the primary target during winter and spring runs when these powerful fish return from the ocean to spawn in upstream tributaries. Salmon runs bring chinook and coho through the system during fall months, creating excellent opportunities for anglers using drift fishing techniques, casting spoons and spinners, or floating bait through productive runs. Trout fishing provides year-round opportunities with cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden inhabiting the river system. The gravel bar's position allows anglers to wade into favorable casting positions while the surrounding structure creates ideal fish-holding water. Proper fishing licenses and adherence to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations are essential, with seasons, limits, and methods varying throughout the year. Kayaking and rafting allow visitors to float the Quillayute River, experiencing the rainforest environment from water level while watching for wildlife along the forested banks. Bird watching rewards observers with sightings of bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, kingfishers, and varied songbirds inhabiting the riparian corridor. The Slough Trail provides hiking access through old-growth forest, offering opportunities to experience the Olympic Peninsula's temperate rainforest ecosystem. Photography captures the river's beauty, towering trees, wildlife, and the characteristic green light filtering through the forest canopy. During salmon runs, watching fish jump obstacles and navigate upstream creates memorable wildlife viewing experiences.
After fishing at Richwine Gravel Bar, Forks offers diverse dining to refuel. The In Place serves comfort food favorites including crispy deep-fried mushrooms with ranch dipping sauce, fish and chips with beer-battered cod or halibut, flavorful chicken strips, hearty omelettes with various fillings, fresh salads, and homemade pies including fruit and cream varieties at 320 South Forks Avenue. Sully's Drive-In features classic American fare including the famous 12th Man burger with multiple patties and toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, crispy onion rings, thick milkshakes, and other comfort food favorites served drive-in style at 220 North Forks Avenue. The Longhouse Cafe provides authentic native-style dining in a traditional Salish Indian environment, with everything on the menu including freshly made fry bread that serves as the base for Indian tacos, burgers, and other creative preparations celebrating indigenous culinary traditions. Creekside Restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge celebrates Pacific Northwest flavors with fresh locally sourced cuisine served alongside sweeping ocean vistas, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring classic morning favorites, seasonal seafood including grilled salmon and halibut, and northwest-inspired entrees. Blakeslee's Bar and Grill serves wings with various sauces, burgers with creative toppings, creamy clam chowder, fresh salads, and wraps in a casual pub atmosphere perfect for post-fishing meals and drinks.
