The original residents of the Olympic Peninsula coexisted with this land, these rivers and seas, and all the abundant resources they provided. Their rich histories, vibrant cultures and deep connections to the land and sea provide an important link for all of us. The peninsula’s rugged, diverse landscape with dense rainforests, mountains, rivers and magnificent coastline on the Pacific Ocean has shaped the lives of the tribes who have lived here for thousands of years.
Each of the nine area Native American tribes who define our region have deep roots in this place, and they welcome visitors throughout the year. They often have festivals or events that celebrate their traditions. The tribes of the Olympic Peninsula include the Makah, Quileute, Hoh, Quinault, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Skokomish and Squaxin Island tribes. Today, Olympic National Park protects many of the natural and cultural resources of these people who first called this beautiful place home.
Makah Tribe
The Makah people reside at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in the village of Neah Bay. Their territory encompasses the lands and waters of the Pacific Ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca. They are renowned as maritime people. The Makah are historically expert whalers and fishermen, relying on the abundant marine resources around them for sustenance. Today, the Makah Cultural Center preserves their history, displaying artifacts from the ancient village of Ozette. It was buried in a mudslide and remarkably preserved. Today, these findings continue to offer insight into the tribe’s rich history. Makah Days celebrates their culture and traditions the third weekend in August.
Quileute Nation
The Quileute people live in the village of La Push, near the mouth of the Quillayute River on the Pacific Ocean. The Quileute are known for their fishing and hunting skills, as well as their intricate weaving techniques. Like the Makah, they depend on the waterways and forests for sustenance. The Quileute people work to preserve their culture and welcome visitors to the La Push area. It’s known for its stunning coastline and beaches, such as First Beach, Second Beach and Rialto Beach. A favorite event shared with visitors is the Welcoming the Whales Ceremony in April.
Hoh Tribe
The Hoh Tribe is a smaller tribe that resides along the Hoh River near the western coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Traditionally, the Hoh people were hunters, gatherers, and fishermen. Their culture was closely tied to the river and ocean ecosystems. Fishing for salmon and harvesting shellfish, the river played a central role in their daily lives. They are perhaps best known for the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park.
Quinault Indian Nation
The Quinault Indian Nation includes members from the Quinault, Queets, and other smaller tribes. Located on the southwestern coast of the peninsula, near the Quinault River and Lake Quinault, visitors can stay at Lake Quinault Lodge or the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. The Quinault people were traditionally fishers, hunters, and gatherers, relying on the region’s rivers, forests, and ocean for sustenance. Today, the tribe operates businesses in tourism, logging, and fishing.
The S’Klallam Tribes
The Olympic Peninsula is also home to three bands of S’Klallam people: the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam. These groups historically lived along the northern coast of the peninsula and on Vancouver Island. They are skilled fishers and craftspeople, known for creating elaborately designed canoes, totem poles and longhouses.
Today, the S’Klallam tribes are involved in various cultural and economic initiatives, including managing casinos, fisheries, and cultural preservation efforts. For the Jamestown S’Klallam, “The Strong People”, among the many enterprises they operate are the 7 Cedars Hotel and Casino and the renowned Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course. They’re recognized for the magnificent hand-carved totem poles gracing their campus, and visitors can learn more about their history and culture in the newly opened Jamestown Tribal Library.
The Lower Elwha Klallam are particularly known for their successful efforts to restore the Elwha River to its original wild and free-flowing state. This decades-long endeavor involved removing the man-made dams, which were barriers to salmon migration and an important cultural and environmental issue. The tribe continues to play a key role in the restoration and revegetation projects now underway. In the summer of 2025, the tribe will host the Annual Tribal Canoe Journey.
Skokomish Tribe
Located near the town of Shelton on the south-eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, the Skokomish Tribe has strong ties to fishing and logging. They continue to sustain a rich culture and tradition around basketry, carving, dance and ceremony. The tribe operates Lucky Dog Casino on State Highway 101 near Hood Canal.
Squaxin Island Tribe
Known as the People of the Water, the Squaxin Island Tribe are descendants of the maritime people who lived and prospered along the shores of the southernmost inlets of the Salish Sea for untold centuries. They are located in the southern portion of the Olympic Peninsula, south of Shelton. The tribe offers detailed interpretive exhibits and artifact displays at the Squaxin Island Museum Library and Research Center. Visitors will enjoy Little Creek Resort and Casino along Hwy. 101. World-class golf can be found at their Salish Cliffs Golf Club.
The Native American tribes of the Olympic Peninsula have lived in this diverse region since time immemorial. They’ve continuously adapted to change while maintaining deep cultural and spiritual connections to the land, rivers, and sea. Despite challenges posed by European colonization, treaties, and modern issues like climate change, these tribes continue to thrive.
We encourage you to learn more about each of these tribes, about their unique customs, contributions, and cultural heritages. When visiting, please travel respectfully on their lands. We are grateful for their generosity in sharing their stories and images. Their enduring stewardship of this land, both ancestral and present, enriches us all.
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