Hoh
They call themselves Chalá·at
Salmon fishers of the Hoh River on Washington's Olympic Peninsula
The Hoh, or Chalá·at, are a Native American tribe living on the Pacific Coast of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. They reside on the Hoh Indian Reservation at the mouth of the Hoh River. Traditionally, they relied on salmon fishing, cedar, and local plants. The Hoh now number just over 100 on their reservation and are best known for their deep connection to the Hoh River.
- Live at the mouth of the Hoh River on Washington's Olympic Peninsula
- Traditionally relied on salmon fishing and cedar trees
- Population declined after a 19th-century smallpox epidemic
- Became bilingual in Quinault and Quileute languages
- Reservation established in 1893 by executive order
Who are the Hoh?
The Hoh, who call themselves Chalá·at, are a Native American tribe whose identity centers on the Hoh River in western Washington. Their community is bound by shared history, kinship, and a deep relationship with the river and its resources. Traditionally, the Hoh lived in several permanent settlements along the river, each with its own fishing sites and family campgrounds. Their culture is shaped by salmon fishing, the use of cedar, and trade with neighboring tribes. Today, they maintain their distinct identity on the Hoh Indian Reservation.
Where do the Hoh live?
The Hoh live at the mouth of the Hoh River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean on the Olympic Peninsula. Their reservation is surrounded by temperate rainforest, rich in cedar and salmon. The river is central to their way of life, providing food, transportation, and spiritual meaning. The land includes ancestral burial sites, family campgrounds, and places important in Hoh stories and rituals. The reservation lies between the towns of Forks and Queets.
What language do the Hoh speak?
Historically, the Hoh spoke the Quinault language, but after intermarriage with the Quileute, they became bilingual in Quinault and Quileute. Over time, Quileute became more commonly spoken. Today, most Hoh people use English as their main language at home. The original Hoh language is no longer widely spoken.
How do the Hoh live?
The Hoh have long relied on the river for salmon fishing, which remains central to their diet and culture. They also hunted marine mammals like seals and sea lions, and gathered plants such as Vaccinium myrtilloides (a type of berry) for food. Cedar trees were used for building houses, making tools, and crafting items for daily life. Trade and barter with other tribes brought additional resources. Today, fishing and crafts continue alongside other modern livelihoods.
How is Hoh society organised?
Traditional Hoh society was organized around family groups living in permanent settlements along the river. Each family had rights to certain fishing and gathering sites, which were passed down through generations. Social ties were strengthened by intermarriage with neighboring tribes, especially the Quileute. Decision-making often involved elders and respected leaders. Family and community remain important in Hoh life today.
What do the Hoh believe?
The Hoh’s beliefs and rituals are closely tied to the river and the land. Important sites along the Hoh River are associated with guardian spirits, ancestors, and mythic events. Rituals often marked the salmon harvest and honored the spirits of the land. Art, music, and dress traditionally used materials from the local environment, especially cedar. Today, some traditional practices continue alongside newer influences.
The history of the Hoh
The Hoh once lived in seven permanent settlements along the Hoh River, each with fish traps and access to hunting and gathering grounds. Their population declined sharply after contact with European Americans in the 19th century, mainly due to a smallpox epidemic. In 1855, the Hoh were assigned to the Quinault Reservation by treaty, though not with their knowledge. In 1893, the Hoh Indian Reservation was established at the mouth of the Hoh River. Over time, the Hoh became closely linked to the Quileute through intermarriage and language shift.
Hoh life today
Today, the Hoh live on a small reservation at the mouth of the Hoh River. Their numbers remain low, with just over 100 residents as of 2000. The tribe is federally recognized and co-manages local fisheries. The Hoh face pressures from outside development and the loss of traditional language and practices, but continue to maintain their identity and connection to the river and land.
Questions people ask about the Hoh
Where do the Hoh people live?
The Hoh live on the Hoh Indian Reservation at the mouth of the Hoh River, on the Pacific Coast of Washington's Olympic Peninsula.
How many Hoh people are there?
According to the 2000 census, there were 102 residents on the reservation, with 81 identifying as Native Americans.
What language do the Hoh speak?
Historically, the Hoh spoke Quinault and Quileute. Today, most speak English at home.
What is central to Hoh culture?
The Hoh River and its salmon are central to Hoh culture, shaping their food, rituals, and identity.
What happened to the Hoh after European contact?
The Hoh population declined sharply after contact, mainly due to a smallpox epidemic in the 19th century.
Sources and further reading
This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Hoh themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.
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