OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that he has directed the use of $623,000 in Stategic Reserve funds on an emergency basis to fix the access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. The road to this iconic destination has been closed for months, and the federal funds typically used for such a repair have not yet been granted. The state funds will be used along with private donations totaling approximately $27,000 as required by law.
The decision to utilize the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account reflects both the urgency to protect the coming tourism season as well as the unique impact of delays to this specific repair project. If access to the Hoh Rain Forest closed for the season, many tour operators would face a 30-40% reduction in bookings, while lodging, restaurants, shops, outfitters and other businesses close to the Hoh Rain Forest would also see significant declines. In a typical year, those businesses are making hiring decisions now, and beginning to book for the summer season.
In 2023, tourists spent more than $444 million in Jefferson and Clallam counties, generating nearly $39 million in state and local tax dollars. The Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account provides a tool designed to retain jobs and economic investment in our state.
“The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the crown jewels of Olympic National Park and Washington’s coastal communities,” Ferguson said. “It is also a critical driver of tourism on the Olympic Peninsula. We cannot allow access to remain closed during the peak visitor season, costing Washington businesses tourism dollars that rural communities rely on. My team is focused on finding solutions for Washingtonians.”
“You can’t predict emergencies or disasters,” said Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Angeles). “I’m grateful to the governor for stepping up and finding creative a solution, to our county partners for their diligence, and to the members of the community for chipping in. There are hundreds of businesses and hundreds of thousands of people who are going to benefit from that road being re-opened this summer.”
“We appreciate the governor finding an expedited funding solution to the Hoh Road repair,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim). “The Jefferson County Public Works Department, with this timely funding, will be able to open the road for the summer tourist season. I would also like to give a shout out to all the folks that stepped up with private funding to help provide a match to the Governor’s emergency funding.”
“I am very appreciative of Governor Ferguson’s leadership working with private sector partners and local government officials to secure the funding needed to reopen the Hoh Road,” Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles). “Without him leaning into this issue, access to the Olympic National Park would have been in question at a time when the public is clearly expressing support for more, not less, access to public lands.”
“Governor Ferguson’s leadership on behalf of Washingtonians and visitors alike will ensure people get to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the Hoh Rain Forest and Olympic National Park in the coming months,” Jefferson County Commission Chair Heidi Eisenhour said. “In a conversation with him over the weekend, Governor Ferguson exhibited his appreciation of the unique visitor experience offered by Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rain Forest and the critical role that this road plays in the economy of both Jefferson and Clallam counties. To that end we’re getting right to work on planning for the repairs while still solidifying the funding plan in partnership with the State.”
Covering approximately 24 square miles, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Late last year, heavy rainfall washed out the Upper Hoh Road, which provides the only access to the campgrounds, trail heads and visitor center. Approximately 176,566 vehicles used the road to access the rainforest in 2024, bringing nearly 460,000 visitors according to the National Park Service. The road is located in the Hoh River Watershed near the Hoh Indian Reservation, roughly 30 miles southeast of Forks.
Media reports indicated that some campers with reservations at the Hoh Rain Forest Campground were told they should cancel if their stay was before June.
While the Upper Hoh Road belongs to Jefferson County, its sole purpose is to access federal land. When the road has been damaged in previous storms, the county has been able to access emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration. Those funds have not yet been granted.
Governor Ferguson read recent media reports about the situation and asked his team to put together options to assist the county. Ferguson convened with state Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Angeles), Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles), Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim), Jefferson County officials and Forks city leaders on Saturday, March 8.
County officials estimate it will cost approximately $650,000 to repair the Upper Hoh Road, and that repairs will take approximately a month to complete, once funds and any necessary permits are secured. An earlier estimate provided to media outlets included the cost for the other storm-damaged road near the national park, Quinault South Shore Road. Both roads are included in the request for emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration, which is still pending.
To resolve the issue in time for peak travel season this summer, Governor Ferguson approved $623,000 from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account for use on the project. The fund is created by statute for specific purposes supporting Washington’s economy, including protecting jobs. Only the governor may authorize the use of this account. By law, use of these funds must be accompanied by private investment.
The local community stepped up to invest in re-opening the road. In less than three days, the community rallied, with dozens of individuals and businesses committing to donate a total of $27,240. Donations ranged from a few dollars to several thousand. Those donors include:
- Olympic Lodging, $5,000
- Miller Tree Inn, $1,000
- Forks Outfitters, $1,000
- Hoh Valley Cabins, $1,000
The private funds will go directly to Jefferson County, which will be overseeing the work.
The Hoh Rain Forest averages about 140 inches of rain per year, according to the National Park Service. “The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest,” according to the Park Service website.