Forest Fire Scars
Across the valley below you the lighter-colored vegetation defines
the boundaries of old burns, which have occurred over the last
two centuries. Lightning probably sparked most of the fires.
Gradually at this elevation, new trees re-covered the ridge. The
landscape's pattern of colors, different shades of green, can be
hieroglyphics of natural disasters, part of the forest's life-cycle.
Other scars mark the slope: the narrow, vertical clearings of
winter avalanche, and the landslide above the lower end of
Long Ridge.
Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Olympic Mountains National Park in 646 images.