Forest Peak RNA

Forest Peak Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent a mature Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest on the west side of the Willamette Valley. The RNA includes an entire undisturbed watershed with first to third order streams and open grassy balds. Slopes are moderately steep and face southeast along the summit ridgeline, but then drop steeply through the central portion of the RNA. Slopes are oriented south to southeast in the southern third of the area and drainages are moderately steep. The mature forest is dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with occasional stands of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). California hazel (Corylus cornuta) and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) are common shrubs. Phantom orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae) and fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa) are present but sparse. The riparian communities are dominated by Douglas-fir and big leaf maple with an understory of swordfern (Polystichum munitum) and salal (Gaultheria shallon).