You are looking at Oregon white oak trees, Quercus garryana. These trees may live to be 200 to 500 years old if they get enough sunlight. Native Americans Tribal people from this area historically burned the area around oak trees to make it easier to hunt, but this also helped the oak grove by clearing out other trees and providing more sunlight. Look down and see if you can find acorns. Acorns are the seeds of oak trees and are eaten by squirrels, mice and black-tailed deer. Tribal people still grind acorns into meal as their ancestors have done for thousands of years.
Source:
- Shawash Kakwe Presentation by David Harrelson, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Rhond
- From Oak Island Nature Trail Guide: George Middle School and ODFW