Long Creek

Long Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent? Topography is steep to very steep and broken on the slopes, to gentle and rolling in the area where the ridge merges with the river terrace. A permanent stream, as well as about two-thirds of the Long Creek drainage, lies within the RNA. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is the dominant tree species throughout the RNA. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), scattered Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) dominate the slopes while mixed stands of Pacific silver fir and western hemlock are found on some benches and on the upper slopes of the RNA. A community of large western red cedar is common around streams, seeps, and other moist habitats. Red alder (Alnus rubra) dominated communities are found on the unstable glacial deposits in the southern half of the tract. Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) are associated with the alder.