This picture of a contorted trunk of a Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) was recorded at Dalles Mountain Ranch in the Columbia Hills State Park, Washington, in the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge. On the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Garry Oak grows into a large diameter, tall, and stately tree. Here on the east side of the Cascades it is at the limit of its range and the trees are generally smaller, much shorter, and often contorted.
Across an intervening canyon, more stunted Garry Oaks line the ridge on the horizon. This photo was taken in mid-October, 2006. The leaves on these oaks were just beginning to turn to their golden-brown fall color.
Ash Creek Images
Photographs of the West by Doug Gorsline
A Contorted and Stunted Garry Oak Growing in Columbia Hills State Park, WA.
