The Cedar Grove

The cedar grove is the heart of Cedar Rise — in fact, it’s where our home gets its name. This stand of towering Western Red Cedars (Thuja plicata) creates a natural cathedral that has welcomed us since the day we arrived.

Our Namesake

Walking through the grove is like entering a different world. The massive trunks rise all around, their fibrous reddish bark soft to the touch. The canopy high above filters the light into green-gold dapples, and the air carries that distinctive, almost medicinal cedar fragrance that says “Pacific Northwest” more than any other scent.

Ancient Presence

These cedars have been growing long before we arrived, and will continue long after. They stand as a reminder that we’re merely stewards of this land, temporary residents in a forest that operates on a much longer timeline than our own.

The Cathedral Effect

There’s a hush that falls when you enter the grove — a sense of peace that visitors always notice. Whether it’s the way the dense foliage absorbs sound, or simply the awe that comes from standing among such ancient giants, the grove provides a natural sanctuary for contemplation and quiet.

Wildlife and the Cedars

The cedars provide shelter for much of our wildlife. Deer bed down in the soft duff beneath the trees. Birds nest in the dense branches. And on rainy days — which are plentiful here — the grove offers natural cover for all the creatures that call Cedar Rise home.