On our way to Ruby Beach during our camping trip in Olympic National Park last month, we decided to make a quick detour to the “The Big Cedar Tree”. Signs, maps, and guides were steering us over to check out the natural wonder. When we arrived at the parking area, we only need to walk a few steps to find what was indeed quite a large cedar tree.
However, surrounded by the big cedar was also quite a large crowd.
Who wants to fight over a good view of the thing when there’s a whole forest to see? With a quick look, we continued on the trail. It wasn’t a decision we really discussed. As usual, we just let Bergen lead the way.
He must have been in search of a more peaceful, serene experience. When we jutted off the main trail down a little cut off, we found our own “big cedar” to check out in all it’s glory.
And when we made our way back passing the famous big cedar once more, can you believe an even bigger crowd of lookers, climbers and photographers had formed? I’m glad Bergen had his own little plan.
Which U.S. National Park did you explore last? National Public Lands Day is tomorrow: Saturday, September 28, 2013. On this day, and a few other days during the year, entrance fees to all National Parks are waived.
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Wow, that tree is pretty amazing! I want to go back over there this fall.
Interesting that you’d post this today and I’d find it; I bought a book about a month ago called Northwest Trees (sort of an identification guide and natural history book) and just read the entry on Western Red Cedar. It briefly mentioned the tree you saw with the crowds all around it. By the way, I think you made the right decision, you probably found others that were 99 % as big and just as glorious.
The last federal land I was in was Mt Baker / Snoqualmie NF on Sunday, for a very soggy hike; before that I took some time off work to enjoy North Cascades National Park and camped for three days on Ross Lake. Tomorrow I’m heading to Wenatchee NF. I work with computers all day, this is what I do to stay sane. 🙂
Haven’t entered (or heard of) your Chinook Book Giveaway, I’ll go check that out. Thanks for the tip!
Wow! Thank you so much for stopping by. Yes, what a coincidence! You’ve been getting around…I will have to hop over and check out some of your adventures. Ross Lake is so beautiful.
The Chinook Book is a great resource for us. If you live here in Seattle, I’d highly recommend it! Good luck if you enter! 🙂