The Upper Hoh Road Olympic National Park will reopen on May 8 at 12:30 p.m.
The road, the primary access route to the Hoh Rain Forest section of the park, closed to all vehicle traffic in …
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The Upper Hoh Road Olympic National Park will reopen on May 8 at 12:30 p.m.
The road, the primary access route to the Hoh Rain Forest section of the park, closed to all vehicle traffic in December after heavy rainfall washed out several feet of roadbank, segments of the highway barrier and at least one large tree, effectively making the road unsuitable for travel.
Last year, the Hoh Rain Forest saw an estimated 450,000 visitors. A National Park Service report in 2023 showed that visitors that year spent $279.2 million in neighboring communities, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs.
“When I learned there was a real possibility this road failure could mean visitors were shut out of the Hoh Rain Forest during peak visitor season, I knew we had to act,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson in a May 5 press release. “I asked my team to look for ways we could help get the road open. The Hoh Rain Forest is an iconic destination for visitors and a critical driver of tourism dollars that rural communities rely on. I’m grateful to all the elected officials, community members and small businesses who came together to make this happen, especially Rep. Adam Bernbaum. "
Funding for the county-estimated $650,000 fix remained uncertain until Gov. Ferguson informed county representatives that the state Department of Commerce would provide $623,000 for the project in March, according to the press release.
The remaining $27,000 was raised through private donations.
Crews from Port Townsend’s Seton Construction and Jefferson County's public works department repaired the road.
“This project represents a true partnership in action,” said Jefferson County Public Works Director Monte Reinders in the press release. “We’re grateful for the support of Governor Ferguson, the private donors, and our hardworking local contractors and crews.”
The Hoh Rain Forest trails, parking area and restrooms will also reopen on May 8, in time for the summer tourism season.
Gov. Ferguson and local officials will attend a reopening celebration at the road at 12 p.m. on May 8 at the repair site for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the completion of the project and restored access.
