The only access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park has been shut down indefinitely, leaving thousands of summer visitors uncertain about their plans. 

According to an article by My Northwest, the closure of Upper Hoh Rain Forest Road, the sole route leading to the rainforest’s trailheads, could force cancellations for campers and hikers while dealing a blow to the local economy.

Known for its lush, moss-covered trails and tranquil atmosphere, the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington is considered one of the quietest places in the U.S., attracting about 460,000 visitors last year, according to the National Park Service. 

The forest is named after the Hoh River, which flows from Mount Olympus to the Pacific Coast, though the origin of the name itself remains unknown.

Severe rainstorms in December washed out a section of the road, requiring an estimated $1.3 million in repairs—funding that Jefferson County currently lacks. 

Some visitors with reservations for June have already been notified to cancel their trips for a full refund. With Washington state facing budget constraints and a new budget not expected until April, securing state funding remains uncertain.

Local officials are advocating for emergency repair funds from the Federal Highway Administration.

If federal aid is approved, repairs could be completed within a month, but no firm timeline has been set. Until then, the closure continues to disrupt travel plans and threaten tourism-dependent businesses in the surrounding communities. 

The uncertainty highlights the broader impact of infrastructure challenges on outdoor recreation and the local economy, making timely funding decisions critical for the industry.

Featured image by Olympic National Park via Facebook