The Forests of Mount Rainier National Park

An ecological survey describes the distribution, structure, and dominant species of the mountain's forests, explaining how mild winters, heavy coastal moisture, and elevation create distinct altitudinal belts from dense lowland stands of fir, hemlock, and cedar to subalpine parks of mountain hemlock, alpine fir, and spruce and finally to stunted krummholz near the tree line. The text details soils, undergrowth, root systems, effects of fire and snow avalanches on regeneration and erosion, and traces typical routes and scenery visitors encounter while ascending through successive forest types.