old growth Douglas fir

The Koksilah Ancient Forest Reserve is an absolutely incredible stand of old-growth Douglas-firs. Old-growth Douglas-firs have been reduced to 1% of their original numbers on Vancouver Island so getting a chance to hike through a forest so full of them is an incredible experience. Most of the grove's big trees range from 4 to 6ft in diameter with the largest ones reaching over 8ft across at the base.

In the 1980's, two loggers put down their chainsaws and refused to cut the forest for they felt it was something remarkable. After some debate, the forest company designated the area a "forest reserve" and put aside plans to log it indefinitely.

Ancient Forest Guide