PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners are moving toward approval of more than $1.5 million in 2026 hotel-motel tax funding, with money going to tourism promotion, trail work, major events, and visitor services across the North Olympic Peninsula.
Commissioners reviewed seven funding agreements during a work session this week. Final approval is set for January 20th.
One request comes from Clallam County Public Works, seeking $65,450 for repairs on the Olympic Discovery Trail between Priest Road and the Dungeness River Center. County documents say root damage and grade failures have created safety concerns on one of the trail’s busiest sections.
The largest allocation — $850,000 — would go to the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, which oversees regional marketing and helps fund local events.
“It’s the year-long funding for the entire Olympic Peninsula, covering our strategic plan. We still have some segments to complete, but it remains the only overarching North Olympic Peninsula marketing entity we have,” said County Commissioner Randy Johnson
Commissioners also reviewed a $59,500 agreement with the Dungeness Crab Festival, covering infrastructure, security, EMS, staging, and crew lodging. The festival draws about 10,000 visitors, many during the tourism shoulder season.
A first-time request from Top Left Trails Co-op totals $80,000, supporting rebuild and revitalization projects at Dry Hill and Colville trails.
Johnson said: “They’ve never requested funding before, but they also have operations up there and need to rework the trail. That brings in individuals three or four times a year to race from all over the world, which is pretty phenomenal. I mean, who else comes here in the month of February to go racing down Dry Hill of all places?”
The Port Angeles Waterfront Center – Field Hall is slated to receive $321,164 for operations. Commissioners say Field Hall brings in about 8,000 visitors a year, many staying overnight.
Another $60,000 would go to the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Education Foundation, helping offset payroll, fuel, and insurance costs, with commissioners noting snow conditions can vary year to year.
The final agreement includes $64,000 for the Peninsula Trails Coalition, supporting operations and marketing tied to the Olympic Discovery Trail and visitor services.