OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – After a months-long closure, the only road to one of the most pristine rainforests in the world will be restored just in time for the busy summer travel season in Olympic National Park.
Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered that leftover lottery money, which makes up a portion of the state’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account, be used to fix the road. Private donations are also helping with repair costs.
The decision was made because the Federal Highway Administration was not responding to urgent requests for help, putting local businesses in jeopardy. In 2023, the Hoh Rain Forest generated more than $444 million in tourism spending for both Jefferson and Clallam counties.
The road to the rainforest was washed out by a storm in December. The area averages 140 inches of rain yearly.
“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.”
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