The evergreen forests of Washington's Olympic Peninsula can feel enchanted. The giant, dripping trees and vast quiet give a sense that spirits are afoot. And perhaps they are. I do know that Olympic National Park is alive with wildlife: I saw my first bobcat here and lots of cougar tracks. I've seen otters, coyotes, bald eagles, elk, marmots, bears, and scores of other species.

But back to the trees, which give the Olympic Peninsula its quiet aura. This bigleaf maple, an open-grown ancient, represents to me all that I love about trees, with its giant, spreading, moss-and-fern blanketed limbs. The mossy giant has patiently posed for my camera numerous times, and this is my favorite portrait.

Lee Rentz