Big Tree (Washington tree) facts for kids
The Big Tree (also known as the Trout Lake Big Tree) was a massive Ponderosa pine tree in an old-growth pine and fir forest in southern Washington state, at the southern base of Mount Adams. The area is managed by the Mount Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The tree was 202 feet (62 m) tall with a diameter of 7 feet (210 cm), and was one of the largest known Ponderosa pines in the world. It had been stressed by attacks from mountain pine beetles and its death in 2015 was confirmed the following year.
Accessibility
From the small farming community of Trout Lake, the Big Tree Interpretive Site can be accessed via Forest Road 80 and 8020. The interpretive site offers the opportunity to view or picnic at the base of the tree.
Age
Its age was unknown, partially because of rot in its center sections.
Despite having immense tracts of old growth conifers, the State of Washington is one of two states that lacks a state coordinator to find, track and keep current records on important trees.
