• Featured Business
    • Around the House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Restaurants
    • Services
  • Everyday
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Aberdeen High School
    • Elma High School
    • Hoquiam High School Sports
    • Montesano High School Sports
    • North Beach High School Sports
    • Ocosta High School Sports
    • Wishkah Valley High School Sports
    • Rec League
  • Food & Art
  • History
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Adult
    • Family
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Kids
    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Tourism
    • 1. Winter
    • 2. Spring
    • 3. Summer
    • 4. Fall
  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • COVID-19 Local Information
Search
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
  • Forums
GraysHarborTalk
  • Featured Business
    • AllAround the HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsRestaurantsServices
      Summit Pacific CNO-Grays-Harbor-clinic

      Welcome Summit Pacific’s New Chief Nursing Officer

      Grays Harbor Hospital-Dr-Bajwa-Outdoor

      Grays Harbor Community Hospital Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Arpun Bajwa

      foot-and-ankle-surgical-olympia-Winter-Foot-Care-Patient-1536x1024 (1)

      Whether Snow, Sleet or Rain, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates Helps…

      Grays-Harbor-Community-Hospital-new-primary-care-staff-east-campus

      Welcoming New Providers to the Harbor Medical Group Family

  • Everyday
    • Evergreen-Masters in Enivronmental studies Beach

      The Evergreen State College Helps Students Build Their Path to Success…

      Evergreen College Paths of Study-Mushroom-Hunt

      The Evergreen State College Helps You Plan Your Educational Journey with…

      point defiance park

      How to Maintain Your 2021 New Year’s Resolutions in Grays Harbor

      -Local-Businesses-Benefit-North-Beach-Community-Food-Truck-Outside-Line

      Local Businesses Team Together to Benefit North Beach Restaurant Employees During…

      evergreen state college--Gateways-classes

      The Evergreen State College’s Gateways for Incarcerated Youth Creates Change Through…

  • Sports
    • AllHigh School SportsAberdeen High SchoolElma High SchoolHoquiam High School SportsMontesano High School SportsNorth Beach High School SportsOcosta High School SportsWishkah Valley High School SportsRec League
      Hoquiam high school maddie-german-1

      Hoquiam High School Grad Maddie German Heading to Everett for Softball

      Janessa-Otterstetter-Montesano-1

      Montesano Grad Janessa Otterstetter to Be Dual Sport Athlete at Wenatchee…

      Aberdeen Annika-Eisele-PLU-swimming 3

      Aberdeen’s Annika Eisele to swim at Pacific Lutheran University

      Elma girls basketball regionals

      Elma, Montesano Heading to 1A Girls State Basketball Tournament

  • Food & Art
    • where to get burgers grays harbor Gray-Goat

      Where to Grab a Burger in Grays Harbor

      Thriftway-Deli-Ivars-Soup

      Tired of Cooking? Let Thriftway Do It For You

      grays habor vintage Molly-Ehmer-Overalls

      Stitch by Stitch, Molly Ehmer Infuses New Life into Vintage Textiles…

      Bayview-School-of-Cooking-Sun-Dried-Tomato-and-Mushroom-Pasta

      Bayview School of Cooking Finds Ways to Keep Home Cooks Inspired

      Bayview-Catering-Smoked-Salmon

      Think Outside of the Box this Holiday Season with Bayview Catering

  • History
    • Hoquiam river 1

      Discover Hoquiam River History

      Polson-Museum-Hometown-Teams-Boxing-Gloves

      The Smithsonian Institution Hometown Teams Traveling Exhibition Inspires Harborites To Discover…

      Kestner Homestead

      Historical Homesteads of Grays Harbor

      Grays Harbor County Fair Charlie Daniels

      A Quick History of Grays Harbor County Fair Entertainers

      Willie Bush, Child Solider

      Willie Bush: The Tie Between Montesano, the Civil War and a…

  • LocalTalk
    • Grays Harbor

      Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance

      adopt a pet Dog of the Week Dolly Parton

      Adopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week: Dolly Parton

      PSE Foundation Provides Grants To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts

      Salal

      Salal Permit Sales to Begin March 3, 2021

      Adopt a pet Dogs of the Week Taffy and Midge

      Adopt-A-Pet Dogs of the Week: Taffy and Midge

  • Activities
    • AllAdultFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids
      Harborena-roller-rink-grays harbor-lights-on-floor

      The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles…

      Day trip Waterfalls Olympic Peninsula-Cascade-Falls

      Where To See Waterfalls On The Olympic Peninsula

      Aberdeen Sam Ben Disc Golf Course

      21 Things To Do in Grays Harbor in 2021

      Where to Surf Ocean Shores-Damon-Point-Surfing

      Where to Surf in Ocean Shores

    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Tourism
    • All1. Winter2. Spring3. Summer4. Fall

      How To Dig for Razor Clams in Grays Harbor

      Where-to-go-Beachcombing-in-Winter-in-Grays-Harbor-Shells-and-sand-dollars

      Where to go Beachcombing in Winter in Grays Harbor

      twin bridges county park

      Grays Harbor County Parks

      Where to Eat in McCleary

  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • COVID-19 Local Information
Home 1. Winter Saying Goodbye to the Quinault Big Cedar and Hello to New Olympic...

Saying Goodbye to the Quinault Big Cedar and Hello to New Olympic National Park Adventures

By
Douglas Scott
Facebook336Tweet0Pin3

For generations, the Quinault Big Cedar on North Shore Road captivated the hearts and imaginations of all who gazed at this wooden giant. Inspiring wonder and joy to countless visitors, this tree was a popular destination in one of America’s most-visited National Parks. Sadly, the mighty cedar met its demise due to natural causes in late July 2016, just two years after the famous Kalaloch Cedar tree fell during a windstorm. Once one of the many jewels of Olympic, the tree now returns to the ground, where it will be the nourishment for future giant trees taking its place.

grays harbor tourismFallen giants are nothing new to the Olympic Peninsula. Throughout the rainforests and wilderness of Olympic, the remains of tall trees litter the landscape, giving much needed food to the younger trees struggling to get enough nourishment and sunlight in the rainforest. Using the fallen tree, saplings take root in the downed log, using it as a nurse log to grow strong and tall. The circle of life isn’t limited to animals, and not a single part of the Big Cedar will go to waste. Further generations will return to the region and find another giant standing, having grown from the remains of the once popular Quinault Big Cedar.

quinault big cedar
Rest in peace, our old friend the Quinault Big Cedar. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Once standing nearly 174 feet above the fern-covered, muddy forest below, the Quinault Big Cedar finally succumbed to gravity and the elements of the Quinault Rainforest. At 61 feet around, this tree was huge and nearly impossible to capture in a single photograph. Visiting the cedar was highlighted by posing for a picture, climbing inside of it and experiencing the sights, smells and enormity of the forests of the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. The Quinault Big Cedar was hollowed out and was slowly deteriorating, with signs this towering monster wouldn’t be around much longer. Once it finally fell, many were left wondering what would happen to this popular trail and inspiring destination.

“Olympic National Park, based on safety concerns with the trail and on hearing from disappointed visitors who found no tree, decided to decommission the trail,” Olympic National Park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said. “Instead, we are encouraging people to use the July Creek Area, which has huge trees and great views.”

quinault big cedar
Enjoy walking through giant trees at Olympic National Park’s July Creek. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

July Creek, just a few miles east of the trailhead to the Big Cedar is a worthy replacement destination. While it lacks the once iconic monolithic tree, it does provide an amazingly well groomed trail that weaves through majestic giants near the shore of Lake Quinault. Unlike the muddy and slippery terrain of the Big Cedar Trail, July Creek’s trails are wide and easy enough for hikers of any age and ability. Complete with a picnic area and access to the lake, which shows off the back of the Lake Quinault Lodge across the lake, there are few areas that rival the beauty and accessibility of July Creek. However, don’t let the fallen Big Cedar Tree keep you from exploring other regions of the park.

quinault big cedar
The views of Lake Quinault at July Creek are hard to beat and are family friendly. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

“Our focus isn’t about helping people find one tree (to replace the Big Cedar); instead, we want people to see the amazing forests and huge trees throughout the park,” Maynes continued. “From the rainforest in the west to the other forests around the park, we want people to see the beauty of Olympic National Park.”

In the Lake Quinault Region alone, there are a lifetime of destinations waiting to be explored. From the world’s largest Sitka Spruce Tree on the South Shore, to the magical and inspiring family-friendly hike around the Maple Glade Trail on North Shore Drive, exploring the Lake Quinault Loop is sure to make for the perfect weekend getaway. Even the Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail near the Lake Quinault Lodge will leave your neck strained from looking up to the tops of massive firs, cedars and spruce. While the loss of the Quinault Cedar may be sad to some, we can use this as an excuse to not delay a trip into nature – we don’t know how much longer it may be around.

quinault big cedar
Explore the majestic giants at July Creek in Olympic National Park. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Olympic National Park is always changing and will forever do so. Rocks will tumble down from rugged mountain tops, rivers will shift their banks and trees will fall; this is nature at its wildest and best. All we can do is enjoy what we have now and make sure we take our families and friends out to the natural wonders that inspire us and soothe our souls. The Big Cedar of the Quinault may have fallen, but your adventures in Olympic National Park are just getting started. This weekend, head out and discover someplace new and fall in love with one of the thousands of massive trees that make Olympic National Park a crown jewel in the National Park System.

Print Friendly
Facebook336Tweet0Pin3
Previous articleGraysHarborTalk Posts Job Opening for Business Development Professional
Next articleNathan Stolen – Aberdeen’s Superman Impressively Begins MMA Career
Douglas Scott

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Harborena-roller-rink-grays harbor-lights-on-floor

The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles During 2020 and Skates Toward a Positive Future

Day trip Waterfalls Olympic Peninsula-Cascade-Falls

Where To See Waterfalls On The Olympic Peninsula

Aberdeen Sam Ben Disc Golf Course

21 Things To Do in Grays Harbor in 2021

Upcoming Events

Feb
27
Sat
10:00 am Lower Satsop Planting @ Grays Harbor Conservation District
Lower Satsop Planting @ Grays Harbor Conservation District
Feb 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Please pre-register by emailing graysharborstreamteam@gmail.com The Grays Harbor Stream Team will be planting native tress with the Grays Harbor Conservation District in order to increase habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds. Take Hwy 12 to[...]
Mar
3
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Mar 3 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Mar
6
Sat
1:00 pm Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
Mar 6 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us each Saturday for movies at the library on the big screen. Bring a comfy pillow and bottled water. Popcorn will be provided. Call or stop in for this month’s titles. For all ages.
Mar
10
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Mar 10 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
7:15 pm Aberdeen City Council Meeting @ Aberdeen City Hall
Aberdeen City Council Meeting @ Aberdeen City Hall
Mar 10 @ 7:15 pm
 
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

STAY CONNECTED

13,753FansLike
970FollowersFollow

Business

Summit Pacific CNO-Grays-Harbor-clinic

Welcome Summit Pacific’s New Chief Nursing Officer

Starting a new job is both exciting and stressful. Starting one during a pandemic requires tremendous drive, confidence, skill and heart. For Summit Pacific...
Grays Harbor Hospital-Dr-Bajwa-Outdoor

Grays Harbor Community Hospital Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Arpun Bajwa

foot-and-ankle-surgical-olympia-Winter-Foot-Care-Patient-1536x1024 (1)

Whether Snow, Sleet or Rain, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates Helps...

Trending Now

Harborena-roller-rink-grays harbor-lights-on-floor

The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles...

Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance

tide pools beach

Four Impressive Tide Pool Beaches on the Olympic Peninsula

Editor Picks

Day trip Waterfalls Olympic Peninsula-Cascade-Falls

Where To See Waterfalls On The Olympic Peninsula

North Beach Hunger-Action-Team HAT-Team-Delivery

Chapel By The Sea’s Hunger Action Team Feeds North Beach

Quinault Beach Resort and Casino at Night

Sneak Away to Quinault Beach Resort Hotel & Casino for a...

Recent Posts

  • Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance
  • Adopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week: Dolly Parton
  • The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles During 2020 and Skates Toward a Positive Future
  • PSE Foundation Provides Grants To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts
  • Salal Permit Sales to Begin March 3, 2021
ABOUT US
GraysHarborTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Grays Harbor County, including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, Elma, Ocean Shores, Westport and the surrounding area. Advertise with GraysHarborTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@graysharbortalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
  • Forums
© GraysHarborTalk, Inc.
Edit with Live CSS
Save
Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete.