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Olallie Ridge Research Natural AreaWillamette National Forest , USFSWest Cascades, Oregon EcoregionCell(s):
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Publication: Olallie Ridge Research Natural Area Est. Rpt. or Guidelines |
The Olallie Ridge RNA is located on 292 ha of the Willamette National Forest in Lane County, Oregon. The natural area occupies two peaks on a major, north-south trending ridge. Slopes are generally steep to moderate, and elevations range from 1,341 to 1,686 m. The most outstanding features of the RNA are the 118 ha of extremely diverse nonforested communities, including Horsepasture Mountain; this is one of the most floristically diverse areas in the western Cascades. The many rock outcrops and meadow community types in the RNA tend to be dominated by herbaceous species. Most of the forested areas are dominated by mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana), however, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), white fir (Abies grandis), or both generally dominate forests located on south-exposed slopes. Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis), noble fir (Abies procera), western hemlock, subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and western white pine (Pinus monticola) are also represented. These forests are relatively young (less than 130 years). Shrub dominated areas can typically be found adjacent to forests or meadows on steep, north-facing slopes, and on talus associated with rock outcrops. In addition, there are extensive areas of dead subalpine fir in and around the wet meadows, probably due to recent infestations of balsam woody aphid. The natural area was used as sheep range until the 1930's, and there is still evidence of sheep camps around some grassy openings.
Portions of secs 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10, T17S, R6E.
44,06N
122,05W
15' McKenzie Bridge (1955) - scale 1:62,500.
Canis lupus (wolf) may be found here.
There are extensive areas of dead subalpine fir in and around the wet meadows which are probably the result of infestations of the balsam woolly aphid.
Examples of the mountain meadow and true fir-mountain hemlock communities found on high ridges in the western Cascades of Oregon. Forest cover types include: mountain hemlock-subalpine fir, Douglas fir, and white fir. There are a variety of rock outcrop and meadow community types, including snowbed, rocky melt seed, wet meadow, mesic meadow, subalpine xeric meadow, fine gravel scree, outcrop ridge and vertical drop. There are also shrub-dominated communities.
Wet meadows.
Not mapped or described. Forest soils are typically weakly developed Brown Podzolics.
RNA occupies summits of 2 peaks - O'Leary Mountain and Horsepasture Mountain and is in 2 separate blocks.
monitoring report on file
Access by trail
Publication: Olallie Ridge Research Natural Area Est. Rpt. or Guidelines