Upper Elk Meadows RNA

Upper Elk Meadows Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent diverse plant communities found in the valleys and mountains of the Cascade Range and the Coast Range of Oregon. The topography is comprised of gentle slopes with a southerly aspect. Wet sedge (Carex) meadows are located near perennial springs that drain southwest to form Rock Creek. Willow (Salix spp.) and black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) grow in dense clumps throughout the meadows. Stands of Pacific silver fir/vine maple (Abies amabilis/Acer circinatum) interspersed with green gentian (Frasera umpquaensis) and Cusick's checkermallow (Sidalcea cusickii) grow on moist soils while Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) grows on drier soils.  Sitka alder/lady fern (Alnus sinuata/Athyrium filix-femina) thickets bordering the forest are expanding into the wet meadows.