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Grove of the Patriarchs
The park contains outstanding examples of the old-growth Douglas-fir forest ecosystem. The Grove of the Patriarchs in the Ohanapecosh Valley offers an excellent introduction to the ancient old-growth stands.
The moist maritime climate of western Washington provides just the right conditions for some of the world's greatest conifer forests to flourish. At the turn of the 20th century, Mount Rainier was surrounded by an unbroken forest that stretched from the base of the Mountain all the way to the shores of Puget Sound. Now, except in protected areas such as Mount Rainier National Park, most of the trees have been cut to build the great cities of the Northwest and to fuel worldwide commerce. The undisturbed forest gains importance when we seek to regain peace, balance, and harmony in our busy lives. The serenity of the forest beckons us to slow down, to explore with awe and wonder, and to wander among the venerable giants listening to the language of living trees.
Big old trees, standing snags, large downed logs, a multi-layered canopy, and logs in streams define the old-growth forest and give it character. Three giant species: Douglas-firs with furrowed bark, western hemlocks with lacy-needled branches, and western redcedars with buttressed bases dominate the forest canopy. These trees and associated species have survived undisturbed by avalanche, fire or flood for more than 10 centuries, while storms of a thousand winters have battered the treetops.