Ancient Forest Ecology

Goldmyer Hot Springs is located in one of the last remaining intact ancient forest ecosystems in the country. The area is located in a low elevation ancient forest and is being managed as a wilderness preserve. The upper Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley beyond Goldmyer has never been logged and is home to many species of plants and animals found nowhere else. Giant western red cedar and douglas fir trees up to 10 feet in diameter and over 900 years old (such as "Grandpa" shown here) live in the valley. Huge fallen trees provide biomass for the forest floor and a growth medium for younger trees. The understory ranges from sparse to lush depending on the canopy but Northwest ancient forests provide more biomass than even South American rain forests. If not otherwise busy, the caretakers usually welcome the opportunity to lead a plant identification walk or provide naturalist information. 

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