Treasures of the Oregon Rain Forest

My best guess is that the specimen above is a banana slug (Species: Ariolimax columbianus, Family: Ariolimacidae). Regardless, the color and oddly engraved texture of its skin were captivating to see, interrupting bits of dried vegetation with graceful--and painfully slow--intervals of movement. However, had I not encountered something disturbing on that occasion, I might have missed the opportunity for the photo above.

While exploring the North Island Trail Viewpoint, I noticed telltale signs of human impact, namely, scattered napkins indicating that a traveler had defecated in the woods. While scanning the area to avoid the hazardous waste, I began to notice various forms of life on the forest floor, the most delightful of which was the largest slug I had ever seen.

Contrasted to its habitat, the creature seemed no less splendid than larger expressions of life, being delicate but powerful in its role of enriching the soil. Beyond this, I paused to appreciate the strange qualities of foggy morning air, breathing deeply before continuing on my way. The discoveries of that brief stop were inspiring, and I was grateful to have lingered for a time, rather than proceeding quickly to my next destination.

Soft intrusions of light appeared, flowing through trees, accenting the day with their atmosphere. I recall feeling startled by the sheer density of coastal fog as it advanced before me, marking my path to the California redwoods.

Although treasures of the Oregon rain forest are vast, being far too varied and numerous to list here, their essence can be expressed by the impact of a single word: mystery. As the processes of nature move through countless ages, remnants are left, but the details of their formation can remain hidden, despite the best advancements of science and the keenest skills of observation.

From Oregon's vast shorelines to its geologic grandeur, and the textured bits of light that grace its forestlands, moisture reigns supreme in this environment.

Indeed, veils of water nourish innumerable trees, suggesting that there is far more to the life of mountains and beaches than we might ever know. All things become an enduring curiosity, when we examine modest creatures like slugs, and remain attentive to the height of pine trees.