Really Big Tree

I can't even begin to imagine what the world was like when this old growth Douglas Fir sprouted along the banks of the Willamette River. The picnic table gives some perspective as to the size of this giant. If this table was set against the tree, the tree would be bigger.

Most of the old growth timber in this area was logged out in the 1920's and 1930's - to fuel Portland's booming growth; and to make way for farms and fields.

I am glad some of these trees were saved early on - for future generations to ponder.

Old Growth "Snag"

We walked down to the beaver dam yesterday. Some of the fallen timber gave us an amazing vision of what the canyon must have looked like before the old growth timber was cut down in the 30's. Mom pointed out a huge snag that she remembered from her childhood - the large dead tree stump is easily 8 feet around!

Near the top of this snag, I saw the outline of a man. Upon further review, it looks to be a man in a robe, a long-tailed monkey on his shoulders ... struggling to reach the top; perhaps to get a better view of the canyon?