HOKO RIVER
Last Updated:
December 6, 2024
TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Hoko River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Hoko River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Hoko River is located in the northwestern region of Washington State, USA. It is approximately 24 miles long and has a drainage basin of 69 square miles. The river was historically significant for the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe as it provided a source of salmon and other aquatic resources. Today, the Hoko River is primarily used for recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking, and also serves as a source of water for agriculture. The river is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including the Hoko Falls Dam, which was built in 1932 to generate hydroelectric power. The Hoko Falls Dam is currently decommissioned and slated for removal as part of a wider effort to restore the river's ecosystem.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hoko River Near Sekiu
USGS 12043300 |
136 cfs | 1.73 ft | -6.21 |
History of the River
The Hoko River is a river in the U.S. state of Washington. It originates in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, and runs about 25 miles (40 km) to the Pacific Ocean through a rugged landscape that has been heavily logged. Its largest tributary is the Little Hoko River, which joins at river mile 3.5-mile (5.6 km). The lower 1 mile (1.6 km) of the Hoko River is estuarine. The Hoko watershed supports chinook, chum, coho, and winter steelhead, with over 48 miles (77 km) of stream miles that provide suitable spawning habitat.Because the Hoko River, like the nearby Pysht River, is brushy, full of snags, and often carries tannin stained water, it is known as a "cedar creek".The name Hoko is of Makah origin and refers to the large projecting rock at the river mouth.The Hoko River is the namesake of the Late Eocene Hoko River Formation, which was formally described in 1976 by Parke D. Snavely, Jr. et al from outcrops along the river.Sites along the Hoko River have proved it to be an ideal location for preserving artifacts, bones, antlers, and baskets from the past. Hooks, cordage used for lines, and drying racks made from wood have all been found near the Hoko River sites. These artifacts' production is dated to around 1000 BCE.