Gnarled Whitebark Pine Photo Signed by Jeff Gnass

The Forested Slopes

All approaches to Crater Lake's caldera meander through different types of forests. The distribution of conifers in these forests is influenced by their environmental tolerances, which places them into a mosaic pattern of habitats. Thus, forests near the south entrance area contrast vividly with dwarf forests of whitebark pine along the northern rim.

Gnarled Whitebark Pine

Whitebark pines, distorted by severe environmental conditions, blanket the slopes of Cloudcap and Mount Scott. The highest whitebark pine woodland is like winter much of the year and the growing season is short. Wind-sculpted whitebark pines are compact enough to withstand the stress imposed by exposure and temperature extremes. Some branches may die back over time, but other parts of the tree retain their vigor and continue to grow.

Jeff Gnass Photography

Jeff Gnass realized his niche in life after picking up a large format camera in 1978 and pursuing natural history photography: landscapes, travel, nature, historical, and wildlife. His endeavors in photography are guided by a personal intensity and determination to interpret and celebrate the majesty of nature.

*Fits standard 11x14 frame.