Queets Spruce

The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains are considered to be the wettest location in the continental United States. The three main river valleys that stretch westward, the Hoh, the Queets, and the Quinault, absorb nearly 150 inches of annual precipitation that contributes to some of the lushest forests found anywhere on our planet. In fact, this bioregion, known as Cascadia, is home to the world's most massive forests in terms of standing biomass.

And here, off the banks of the Queets River and at the confluence of Sams River, stands one of the most impressive conifer trees found in the entire Olympic National Park. At 11,920 cubic feet of bole (trunk), the Queets Spruce is the most voluminous* tree of its species in the world. It also stands a robust 248 feet tall and 14.9 feet in diameter.

* When trunk diameter, height, and crown spread are all taken into consideration, the Quinault Giant Sitka Spruce is considered the overall largest spruce in the world.