Hamma Hamma Watershed
The Hamma Hamma watershed, covering approximately 78 square miles, drains the eastern Olympic Mountains into Hood Canal. It is characterized by steep, forested terrain, clear glacial-fed streams, and relatively intact ecological processes due to limited development. Over 90% of the watershed is publicly owned, primarily within Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park, with the lower reaches managed for timber, recreation, and conservation. The watershed supports critical habitat for ESA-listed Chinook, chum, and steelhead, as well as one of the most robust remaining runs of native bull trout on the peninsula. Unlike the more developed Skokomish watershed to the south, the Hamma Hamma remains largely roadless in its upper basin, with fewer fish passage barriers and lower sedimentation. Tribal co-management by the Skokomish Tribe plays a central role in restoration, including large-scale engineered logjam projects. Local economic activities include shellfish harvesting, forestry, and recreation. (Placeholder text by ChatGPT 2025).