Tree of Life — Attraction in Forks

Tree of Life – Washington Coast 🌳

I set out on a motorcycle trip from Vancouver, BC, to visit this magical place I had been dreaming about for years the Tree of Life. This wasn’t just another stop on a journey; for me, it was a deeply personal pilgrimage.

Traveling south along the Washington coast, just after passing Ruby Beach, you’ll find access to the Tree of Life within a small campground. Due to recent natural conditions, the wooden stairs to the beach have collapsed, so reaching it now requires extra caution. The tree itself has fallen forward from the cliffs, its roots fully exposed, yet miraculously it is still green and breathing. Nearby, you’ll find a pen and stones where visitors leave their messages of love for the tree and for all who come here.

As an Iranian who has been living far from my homeland, these past years, especially after the women life freedom revolution, have been heavy with grief and longing. It has been hard to pretend life is “normal” while watching my people’s struggle for freedom from afar. I carry the aftershocks of those events every day, every hour.

When I finally stood before the Tree of Life, I saw more than a fallen tree 🕊️ I saw a survivor. Its weary, exposed roots reminded me of my own wounds, yet its vibrant crown reaching toward the sky reminded me that I am still here, still yearning to live.

This visit was more than a travel destination, it was a lesson. The tree taught me, once again, that even in the harshest conditions, beauty and resilience can thrive. I wished, for the thousandth time, that I could be like that tree 🌱 strong, steady, and able to give comfort to those who are tired and hopeless.

To all the beautiful American people who have welcomed me so warmly every time I visit your incredible country: thank you. You have made every journey here not just memorable, but...

I’m really glad we visited to see this remarkable tree before it inevitably falls, likely in the next couple of years according to state officials. Truly a once in a lifetime sight! The tree isn’t huge by any means and is located on a busy beach.

The beach itself is massive, and absolutely beautiful. White sands with large flats of beach that the waves roll over, which makes for excellent barefoot walking in the shallow surf. You can find sand dollars, which are easy to find and fun to hunt for. Even when it’s a busier day, the beach is huge and spans miles of the coast so you are able to find your own place to set up and enjoy a day of relaxing, swimming, and breathing in that ocean air.

PLEASE NOTE! People are climbing on the tree, hanging off the roots, sometimes doing major damage that is immediately apparent (like snapping an entire root!) and walking under the tree which contributes to erosion. Please don’t be one of those people! This tree is special and something you won’t see anywhere else. Please help preserve it, respect the tree and the space around it! Don’t hesitate to ask others to...

Really is a fantastic and unique site to visit. A test subject for photographers, both amateur and professionals alike. Much of what you capture will depend on the lighting and angles.

I though that it had sunk greatly compared to photos which I viewed before, but now that I compare my photos with the pros, I can see that three major factors determine your experience and what you capture with your lens: (1) the tide washes logs in and off the beach so you need the right timing to get the best view underneath (the cave effect), (2) once again, the lighting to catch the contrast, (3) and the rainfall will determine what water sources will come into play (small waterfall underneath).

The hike is easy. Just park at the Kalaloch Campground Registration parking lot. There's no fee to park and walk down to the beach. Then follow the trail and stairway down from the southwest side of the lot.

People take turns taking photos and approaching the "cave." Everyone was kind and patient when I was there; please pay that forward. But also, enjoy rest of the beach. There are other nice strolls besides the one...