Coast Redwood Forests

Ecology: Coast redwood is the rarest forest type in Oregon. It is the northern-most extension of the much larger redwood forest of northern California, reaching only about 10 miles into southern Oregon. In general, Oregon’s redwoods are found on mountain slopes, rather than in river bottoms like their California counterparts, and don’t grow as large as their southern neighbors.

Douglas-fir, tanoak, Oregon-myrtle, bigleaf maple, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock are also found in this forest type. Redwoods are tough trees. They are tolerant of shade, have thick bark that resists fire damage, have heartwood that repels insects and decay, and sprout following injury or burial from flooding.

Because redwoods naturally regenerate from root suckers and stumps, small groups of trees ranging from young to very old may actually be sprouts from the same individual. As a result, individual trees can live for more than a thousand years and stands can occupy sites almost indefinitely, regenerating themselves following disturbance.

Climate: Redwood forests occur in wet, mild maritime climates with frequent summer fog. “Fog drip”* is an important source of moisture, especially in the drier summer months.

Management: Redwood forests can be managed as even- or uneven-aged stands, with clearcut or individual tree selection harvesting techniques. The wood from these forests is used for a variety of lumber, furniture, and bark products.

* For detailed and updated information on this amazing tree and the ecosystem in which it thrives, click here.

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