Nearly half of our state is covered by forests, but the tremendous variations in Oregon’s geography provide a wide range of tree species. While the Douglas fir and Sitka spruce near the Oregon Coast is ready for high winds and unrelenting moisture, the arid ponderosa pine forests east of the Cascade Mountains have adapted to thrive in the face of dry summers and frequent, low-intensity fires.

    Oregon is home to an incredible array of trees, from towering Douglas-fir in the coastal rainforest to the sagebrush and juniper of the high desert. The state is home to five species of conifers: Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, grand fir, and noble fir. These towering evergreens are common in many of Oregon’s forests and can reach up to 300 feet. Oregon also hosts a variety of deciduous trees, including Pacific madrone, Oregon white oak, bigleaf maple, red alder, western larch, and quaking aspen. These trees provide a habitat for various wildlife and are vital to the state’s ecology. Oregon’s forests also offer products for human use, such as lumber, paper, and fuel. The state is also home to some of the oldest trees in the world, including the world’s largest Douglas-fir in Dorena, Oregon, which is estimated to be over 500 years old. No matter where you go in Oregon, you are sure to find a variety of trees that provide beauty, sustenance, and protection to the state’s diverse ecology.

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