Elwha

Elwha commonly refers to the Elwha River and the surrounding region in the northwestern Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. The river originates in the Olympic Mountains and flows eastward for about 45 miles (72 kilometers) to the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Angeles. The river valley includes the Lower Elwha Klallam Reservation and the unincorporated community of Elwha.

Geographically, the Elwha watershed comprises forested foothills and river lowlands that support diverse habitats. Historically, the lower river and estuary sustained one of the region’s largest salmon and steelhead runs, supporting Indigenous communities as well as settlers. The valley is managed by federal and tribal authorities with recreation and conservation in mind.

From 1910 to 1926 two dams—Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam—were constructed on the upper river to generate hydroelectric power. Their construction blocked fish passage and altered sediment transport, contributing to long-term ecological changes. Beginning in 2011, a coordinated dam-removal project removed both structures, with the last sections removed by 2014.

The dam removals, the largest in U.S. history, restored river flow and sediment movement, enabling salmon and other species to access upstream habitats. Restoration work has also improved riparian ecosystems and created recreation opportunities along the river corridor.

The name Elwha derives from the language of the Lower Elwha Klallam people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Today the tribe maintains a reservation at the river’s lower reaches and participates in fisheries, cultural preservation, and stewardship of the river.