 Upper Hoh Road washout repaired thanks to $623K in Strategic Reserve funds, private donors
FORKS — Governor Bob Ferguson officially re-opened the main access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park this week, joining elected leaders, tribal representatives, small business owners and individuals whose donations made the repair work possible for a ribbon cutting event.
The road to this iconic destination was closed for months after damage from November’s bomb cyclone washed out a section of the Upper Hoh Road. When Governor Ferguson learned the road might remain closed during the peak summer tourist because federal funding had not come through, he directed the use of $623,000 from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account to fix the road. 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.
“Like most people, when I go hiking, I stop at small businesses for things like coffee, food and gas,” Ferguson said. “The Hoh Rain Forest is a critical economic driver for the Peninsula. Opening this road not only ensures the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors have the chance to enjoy a natural wonder, but it also protects jobs and tourism dollars that local economies depend on. I’m grateful to have played a part in it, but the local community coming together is what made it possible.”
“This project was completed because of the persistence of Jefferson County government, initiative from Governor Ferguson and his team, and generosity from members of the community across the North Olympic Peninsula,” said state Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Townsend). “I drove to the re-opening ceremony yesterday behind a car with Arizona plates carrying tourists excited to see the Hoh Rainforest and chatted with two college students who drove up from Florida when I got there. Re-opening the park will spur tourism across the peninsula and allow an important piece of our nation’s heritage to continue to be enjoyed by people everywhere.”
“We had to think outside the box and let people know our community needed help,” Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said.
“This project represents a true partnership in action,” said Jefferson County Public Works Director Monte Reinders. “We’re grateful for the support of Governor Ferguson, the private donors, and our hardworking local contractors and crews.”
“This fix helped save the tourism of west Jefferson County, which will send sales tax dollars flowing immediately to Olympia,” said local business owner Anna Matsche. “We promise we are a sound investment, and we have put our own money down to prove our level of commitment.”
The full celebration is available to watch on TVW.
Strategic Reserve funds are a tool designed to retain jobs and economic investment in our state.
In 2023, tourists spent more than $444 million in Jefferson and Clallam counties, generating nearly $39 million in state and local tax dollars. If access to the Hoh Rain Forest had not been restored, many tour operators would have faced a 30-40% reduction in bookings, while lodging, restaurants, shops, outfitters and other businesses close to the Hoh Rain Forest would have seen significant declines.
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.
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