While Federation Forest’s history spans two locations and the history of the nearby Naches Trail, the park remains a mecca for tree lovers, where remarkable stands of ancient Western Hemlock, Douglas-fir, Western Redcedar, Sitka Spruce, even Pacific Yew, can be found within a few hours’ drive of Seattle and Tacoma.

In this edition of Treehuggers International, Washington State Park rangers Eric Lewis and Jeff Vassallo make the drive from Federation Forest to The End’s studios to talk about recent storm damage and volunteer opportunities at “Fed Forest,” and the wonder of working among some of the biggest, best-preserved trees in the state.

Note: Ranger Jeff Vassallo has since been named head ranger at Kanasket-Palmer State Park near Enumclaw along the Green River Gorge. Congratulations, Jeff!