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Visiting a Grand Old Washoe Pine, September 1, 2022

Visiting a Grand Old Washoe Pine, September 1, 2022

by Paul DavisPosted onGet Out!
Washoe pine. P. Davis.
Huge old Washoe pine, Pinus ponderosa var. washoensis, in Modoc National Forest, on June 29, 2010. Photo by Paul Davis.

After viewing the Get Out! trip to the Caribou Wilderness and seeing the great old Jeffrey pine that burned (see Black Lake Loop, August 21, 2022), Marilyn and I decided it was time to visit our very favorite old Washoe pine (Pinus ponderosa var. washoensis) since there have been fires in its area. The last time we visited it was in 2010.

Luckily the fires did not come close, since the understory and ladder fir and pine surrounding this old giant are becoming more dense.

Washoe pine and ladder fuels. P. Davis.
Fires did not come close enough to threaten the old Washoe pine, which is lucky—you can see how the ladder fuels have become more dense. Modoc National Forest, September 1, 2022. Photo by Paul Davis.
Huge Washoe pine limbs. P. Davis.
The limbs in the crown of the old Washoe pine are at least two feet in diameter and would make a perfect place for an upper level Hobbit residence. Modoc National Forest, September 1, 2022. Photo by Paul Davis.
Marilyn and Washoe pine trunk. P. Davis.
Massive trunk of the old Washoe pine in Modoc National Forest. Marilyn Davis is five foot six inches in this photo, taken June 29, 2010, by Paul Davis.
Washoe pine cone. P. Davis.
Washoe pine cone. Modoc National Forest. Photo taken June 29, 2010, by Paul Davis.

This old Washoe pine is located about 1/2 mile northwest of the intersection of Forest Service Road 5 and the access road to the trailhead for Pine Creek Basin in the Modoc National Forest. Soup Springs Campground is a convenient five miles to the south.

While in the area, a hike into the South Warner Wilderness via Pine Creek Basin Trail is well worth the time and effort. ~Paul Davis

Jeffrey pine. P. Davis.
This very old Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi, grows not far from the grand old Washoe pine in Modoc National Forest. Photo taken September 1, 2022, by Paul Davis.