3 minute read
The Bear Gulch Fire & Hoodsport: Strength Amidst Uncertainty
The Bear Gulch Fire, which started July 6 on the north side of Lake Cushman, has burned more than 10,000 acres in Olympic National Forest. Human-caused and still under investigation, the fire has been slow to contain. As of early September, just nine percent was under control, with 147 personnel still assigned to the incident. While no structures have been lost, the fire has shaped both the landscape and the economy of Mason County for more than two months.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and forecasted rainfall have recently helped calm fire activity. Even so, extensive closures remain in effect, including the northern half of Lake Cushman, Staircase Campground, and popular recreation areas in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. For local businesses, the closures landed at the worst possible time — the middle of summer, when tourism brings the highest traffic of the year.
The impact on Hoodsport’s business community has been unmistakable. At the Visitor Information Center, walk-in counts dropped by more than 40 percent beginning in late July and lasting through mid-August, while phone inquiries fell nearly 20 percent. With access cut off to signature trails and campgrounds, many families postponed or canceled their plans altogether. Even when skies cleared, the perception that the area was “closed” weighed heavily on the season.
That loss of traffic rippled across lodging, dining, retail, and recreation. July and August are the months when operators rely on strong revenues to carry them through fall and winter. Missing even a few weekends can set businesses back for months. Some owners stocked cautiously, trimmed hours on smoky days, or shifted staff to cover uncertain schedules. Visitors who might normally book confidently instead hesitated, unsure what conditions might be like once they arrived.
Still, Hoodsport showed resilience. At YSS Dive, owner Katherine Yackel described the impact on her business. “The fire slowed our foot traffic and forced a few tough reschedules,” Yackel said, “but the story of Hoodsport is resilience. We look out for one another, keep guests safe, and get back to welcoming visitors the moment it is prudent to do so.”
Throughout the fire, the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center became a trusted resource for travelers. Staff and volunteers stayed in daily contact with the Forest Service and National Park Service, sharing accurate updates and guiding families to alternatives. Visitors were encouraged to explore nearby state parks like Dosewallips, Potlatch, and Twanoh, or to enjoy cultural and family-friendly attractions across Mason County. Many guests expressed gratitude for the support, with some stopping in just to say thank you for the guidance and hospitality.
Clear communication has proven essential. Misperceptions of closure can linger long after skies have cleared, delaying recovery and keeping visitors away. By providing timely updates and consistently reinforcing what is open, the Visitor Center and its partners have helped maintain confidence and direct traffic to businesses that remain ready to serve.
The Bear Gulch Fire has been a reminder of how quickly uncertainty can ripple through a tourism economy. Yet it has also underscored the strength of Mason County. Businesses adapted, volunteers stepped up, and neighbors supported one another. While recovery will take time, this summer will be remembered not only for disruption but for the resilience and cooperation that carried Hoodsport through.
