Customer Reviews

Field Guide to Old-Growth Forests: Explore the Ancient Forests of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia

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Larry Eifert assumes that only Portlanders and Seattleites will be reading his book. This book only mentions the old growth forests closest to Seattle. It fails to mention any old growth locations North of Mt. Rainier. If you live in Bellingham you would find this book close to useless. Although Washington has more old growth locations, he seems to cover the old growth sites in Oregon with more depth. Keep searching, you'll find a better book.

Field Guide to Old Growth Forests isn't a scientific treatise on old growth forests, but a guide to accessing and appreciating them, blending a science guide with a travel handbook. A review of the natural history of old growth forests blends with the author's pen and ink drawings and tips on where to find the remaining old growth forests.

This slim volume is fascinating, easy to read and beautifully illustrated. While it is not a thorough scientific treaty on the subject and doesn't provide information on the locations of ALL old growth (something I kind of expected from the title) it is nevertheless an exquisite introduction.
Having contacted Larry Eifert about the book I have to also say that he and wife Nancy are extremely friendly and helpful, not only pointing me in the direction of other information and advising on the best places to visit but also sending me further of his works gratis! In particular, a wonderful little chart describing the creatures and plants of the Redwoods which was the perfect suppliment to the Field Guide.

I've been flipping through this book over the last few weeks, reading it casually. On my hike last weekend, it was like the forest opened up. Suddenly, I could really see so much more detail. I remembered Larry Eifert's description of Douglas Fir cones looking like mice were fleeing into the cone, leaving their hind legs and tail exposed. This is the perfect description of the odd papers hanging out of the cone. I had a easy way of knowing more about the trees I was surrounded by. I hadn't expected this pretty little book to enhance my meandering through the forest so much. This book is a real joy to read.