Part 5: Big Tree

We had been aware of the old growth cedar bog that is located in Rockaway Beach between Hwy 101 and the hills to the east of the beach. We had even ventured into the woods once long ago to find the big cedar tree, but it had been years ago, and we had lost track of just where the access was.

Then on the Rockaway Beach Facebook page there was a notice of the location of the trail head, and a photo that indicated some improvements had been made to the rough trail into the boggy forest. 

We decided it would be a good adventure for a foggy afternoon. We found the trail head off a side street and entered the Cedar Wetlands Preserve, home to old growth Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar.

 We soon found ourselves in a primordial forest with giants like this Sitka Spruce. 

 I mentioned that is is a coastal bog? Navigating in spring or after the fall rains might be tricky, calling for tall boots. 

 An attempt had been made to provide secure footing in the low spots. The skunk cabbage was gigantic too. 

 The trail to the Big Tree was fairly navigable. A platform had been built around the base of the tree to protect it from foot compaction. 

 I love big trees, and "collect" them. This one did not disappoint. it is a Western Red Cedar, 154 feet tall and 49 feet around at the base. Miraculously it had escaped the loggers over all of its many years in existence. 

 A smaller tree had years ago blown over and was caught up on a side shoot but nothing appeared to be in danger of moving any time soon. 

 After lingering here to appreciate this venerable giant, we proceeded farther into the forest, pretty sure that the trail would continue out the other side. Old trees grew out of and over even older trees remains. 

 There was quite a bit of scrambling to do now, as this part of the trail was not as well maintained. I was not quite so nimble in climbing over big downed trees. 

 There were more giants. 

 In the blow down zone of a previous wind storm, new trees were growing out of the upturned roots of old trees. 

 This banana slug found enough moisture to venture out. 

 About here we lost the trail, and had to back track. The true way led us through a tunnel of salal.

 The Fairy Bells (Disporum) had set beautiful red berries. 

We finally found our way out, after over an hour of scrambling. 

It was an adventure, all right. Strenuous for the oldsters, but fun for all.