General Sherman
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The world's largest tree! Since the discovery of the General Sherman by James Wolverton in 1879 there have been many trees brought forth to challenge this claim - none have succeeded. One of the earliest uses of wood volume as the true determination of tree size was to settle a county-wide dispute in 1931 to see which tree was larger - General Sherman or General Grant. No serious claims have followed. What is remarkable about this tree is how it keeps its diameter. This is the world’s only tree with a diameter greater than 20’ at 35’ off the ground. At 150’ it is still nearly 16’ thick!
Niawiakum Giant
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The Niawiakum Giant is a huge Western Redcedar growing along the Washington coast. First noted in a grove of young cedars by wood sculptor Bart Kenworthy, the strangely shaped tree was probably spared the axe because of the unusual base. The ‘candelabra’ tops are typical for giant cedars along the coast due to the harsh conditions of coastal exposure. The cedar tops are susceptible exposure, but the wood is extremely decay-resistant. A new top will form from a branch lower down in the crown. After several centuries of this process being repeated a multiple topped tree such as the Niawiakum Giant is formed.
Lost Bear Survivor
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The Lost Bear Survivor is named for the Lost Bear Fire, which scorched a huge area near the rim of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. The thick bark of the Jeffrey Pine has allowed this giant to come through the fire unscathed. The Survivor is now surrounded by a sea of bleached-white skeletons of firs and pines that were not so well equipped.
President
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The President may be only the 4th largest tree on earth, but in my mind it is the most impressive. The view of this tree as one approaches along the Congress Trail in Giant Forest is unparalleled! Over a dozen HUGE limbs, some of which jut out for more than 60 feet. At ground level the tree is 27 feet in diameter and for a 35 foot section in the mid trunk it is larger than even the General Sherman. The view in the portrait is that of the first view one gets from the Alta Trail.