Appealing Bark Look carefully at this tree leaning across the trail. Many trees will twist and turn to find a spot of sunlight that will help them grow. This tree is called Pacific madrone, and it has bright green leaves year round. The self-peeling, colorful bark makes this tree easy to locate and identify. The small, red fruit provide food for wildlife.
Roots often grow into decaying stumps and logs.
Insects and other animals create countless tunnels and burrows. Water seeps into the wood. Fungus and bacteria grow well here. Over time, these activities form new soil and allow the nutrients of this old tree to be used again. This forest is dominated by the evergreen Douglas-fir trees.