ANOTHER FALLEN GIANT

The National Geographic Red Cedar

(photo from National Geographic)

The forest of Stanley Park has been home to many fabled giants. Besides the Hollow Tree, the once popular attraction of "The Seven Sisters" which artist Emily Carr painted, and the distinctive fir tree atop Siwash Rock, there was the National Geographic Western Red Cedar. The tree was named so because it was featured in the October 1978 issue of the magazine. This mighty giant had a circumference of 13.3 meters and was once one of the most impressive of the big Western Red Cedars of the park. Unfortunately it diminished over time, ravaged by storms and a lightening strike. Because it was topped by park staff, cutting it to a height of 39.6 meters the rainy coastal weather finally caused it to rot and in October 2007 it was uprooted in a wind storm.

Right across the road from the Hollow Tree, there is a path leading to Third Beach. The pathway cuts right through the centre of the giant Red Cedar's root base so you can get an idea of its immense size and girth. Alongside, the massive trunk of this forest giant lies in situ.