The Conifers of the Klamath Mountains, Pacific Crest

The Klamath Mountains are home to an extraordinary diversity of conifers, with up to 30 species thriving in its rugged terrain.  Among them is Brewer’s spruce, a rare tree with distinctive dripping branches found only in this region.  Jeffrey pine and sugar pine flourish in drier zones, with the latter producing the longest cones of any conifer – reaching up to 24 inches (61 cm).

Incense cedar adds to the forest’s rich aroma, while western white pine thrives at higher elevations.  Douglas-fir is the dominant species, providing crucial habitat for wildlife.  More unusual is the knobcone pine, which relies on fire to melt the resin sealing its cones and release its seeds.  These conifers, many of which are rare or endemic, are uniquely adapted to the Klamath Mountains’ diverse microclimates.