The Tree of Life has become a symbol of resilience due to its ability to survive in harsh, unstable conditions.
It is located on the Pacific coastline of Washington state, within Olympic National Park.
The tree is a Sitka Spruce, but unlike its typical tall, streamlined peers, it appears squat and contorted, shaped by strong coastal winds.
Its most dramatic feature is its completely exposed root system, which hangs in the air between two eroding cliffs.
These roots cling to the cliffsides, even as erosion continues to threaten the tree’s stability.
The Tree of Life has survived for many years despite its precarious environment, making it a powerful natural metaphor.
However, recent photos suggest that the tree may be approaching the end of its life, as erosion intensifies.
The Tree of Life in Olympic National Park, Washington, is a widely recognized symbol of resilience, perched precariously on a cliff with fully exposed roots.
Its unusual, almost suspended appearance, defying gravity and erosion, has earned it descriptions like “resilient,” “magical,” and “hardy,” according to Lissy Andros, executive director of the Forks Chamber of Commerce.
The tree’s form reflects both natural drama and quiet determination, embodying themes of survival in the face of adversity—resonating deeply with many visitors.
Unlike other Sitka Spruces, it is squat and twisted, shaped by strong coastal winds and a constantly eroding environment.
Its roots cling to eroding cliffsides, appearing to float above a void, symbolic of hanging on against all odds.
Unfortunately, recent photos by photographer Mathew Nichols show the tree sagging dangerously close to the ground, suggesting that its long defiance may be ending.
The eroding coastline and increasing environmental pressure have raised concerns that the Tree of Life may soon collapse.
Despite its condition, the tree continues to draw visitors and inspire awe, a living metaphor for endurance and the fragile balance of nature.
The Tree of Life, a Sitka Spruce perched on a coastal cliff in Olympic National Park, has long been celebrated as a symbol of resilience and natural wonder.
It is uniquely suspended, with exposed roots bridging two eroding cliffs, forming a dramatic “tree cave” underneath—once large enough for people to walk through.
Lissy Andros, of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, described it as “resilient,” “magical,” and “an anomaly doing its best”, connecting deeply with visitors’ personal struggles.
Photographer Mathew Nichols, who has documented the tree over years, recently observed that the roots have nearly touched the ground—dropping from walkable height to just about an inch of clearance.
Nichols said, “It’s finally coming to its resting place, I think,” indicating the tree’s likely imminent collapse after years of defying the odds.
During a visit on Tuesday, Nichols found that visitors had created a memorial beneath the tree, inside its famous cavity.
The impromptu tribute includes stones and small objects placed among the roots, one inscribed with “Peace on Earth”.
The tree’s deterioration reflects the ongoing erosion of Washington’s coastline, making this a poignant reminder of nature’s fragility and the passage of time.
The Tree of Life, a windswept Sitka Spruce in Olympic National Park, is famed for its gravity-defying roots, suspended between two cliffs on Washington’s eroding coastline.
Once walkable underneath, its “tree cave” has nearly vanished — roots now hover just an inch above the ground, signaling its likely imminent collapse.
Photographer Mathew Nichols, who has documented the tree for years, said, “It’s finally coming to its resting place, I think.”
During a recent visit, Nichols witnessed visitors mourning beneath the tree, describing it as “beautiful to see people shedding tears and paying their respects.”
A makeshift memorial has formed in the tree cave, with stones and small tributes placed among the roots — one inscribed with “Peace on Earth.”
Lissy Andros, of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, noted the tree’s lasting symbolism: “It connects to people and what they’re going through… an anomaly doing its best.”
The tree’s decline is due to a combination of time, weather, and environmental stress, per Andros — all contributing to its slow descent.
Once a living emblem of resilience, the Tree of Life is now becoming a powerful symbol of letting go and collective remembrance.
As it nears the end, it continues to draw pilgrims, mourners, and admirers, bearing witness to a natural marvel in its final days.
The Tree of Life, a famed Sitka Spruce in Olympic National Park, Washington, is nearing the end of its life as its cliffside perch continues to erode.
The tree is known for its dramatic appearance, with fully exposed roots stretching between two eroding cliffs, suspended over a “tree cave” that once allowed visitors to walk beneath.
Over the past six years, the tree’s condition has declined—its roots now hang just an inch above the ground, where they once hovered several feet up.
Photographer Mathew Nichols, who has followed the tree for years, observed during a recent visit: “It’s finally coming to its resting place, I think.”
Nichols also witnessed visitors mourning the tree, saying, “It was so beautiful to see people shedding tears and paying their respects to the tree as it clings on during what seems to be surely its final days.”
A makeshift memorial has formed beneath the tree, with stones and tokens placed among its roots—including one that reads “Peace on Earth.”
Lissy Andros, Executive Director of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, said the tree resonates deeply with people, calling it “an anomaly that’s just trying to do its best.”
Andros added that ongoing beach erosion and King tides are accelerating the tree’s decline: “The coastline is constantly getting just battered by Mother Nature.”
FOX Weather meteorologist Scott Sistek noted that the northern Washington coast endures one of the harshest climates in the United States, contributing to the tree’s environmental stress.
As the Tree of Life nears collapse, it stands not only as a symbol of resilience, but also of impermanence, drawing visitors, mourners, and photographers to honor its final days.
The Tree of Life, a unique Sitka Spruce in Olympic National Park, has long amazed visitors by surviving with its roots exposed, suspended between two crumbling cliffs along the Washington coast.
Once tall and walkable underneath, the “tree cave” is now nearly closed—its roots hang only an inch from the ground, signaling the tree’s imminent collapse.
Photographer Mathew Nichols recently documented its condition and saw visitors mourning, saying, “It was so beautiful to see people shedding tears and paying their respects to the tree as it clings on during what seems to be surely its final days.”
A memorial has formed beneath the tree, with stones and mementos placed among its roots, including one that reads “Peace on Earth.”
Lissy Andros, from the Forks Chamber of Commerce, noted the deep emotional connection people feel: “It’s just trying to do its best.”
Andros estimates the tree may have only one year left, after which it will be left undisturbed, per National Park policy, to let nature take its course.
The tree’s decline is driven by coastal erosion, King tides, and an extreme climate. Forks, WA, receives nearly 10 feet of rain per year, and wind gusts of 60–70 mph hit the coastline several times each winter.
Meteorologist Scott Sistek (FOX Weather) described the region as enduring one of the harshest climates in the U.S., with powerful winter storms fueled by a supercharged jet stream crashing into the coast.
In addition to weather, human activity contributes to the damage—visitors have climbed the tree and posed too closely, stressing its already fragile roots.
Once a living symbol of endurance, the Tree of Life now represents the beauty of impermanence, as visitors continue to pay tribute in its likely final year.
The Tree of Life in Olympic National Park is a Sitka Spruce with fully exposed roots suspended over eroding cliffs on the rugged Washington coast.
Once large enough to walk beneath, its roots now hang just an inch above the ground, signaling its imminent collapse, possibly within a year.
Photographer Mathew Nichols documented visitors mourning the tree and leaving a memorial with stones and tokens, including one saying “Peace on Earth.”
Lissy Andros, Forks Chamber of Commerce director, highlighted the tree’s deep symbolism, calling it “an anomaly that’s just trying to do its best.”
The harsh climate—with 10 feet of annual rain, 60-70 mph winter gusts, King tides, and storms fueled by a supercharged jet stream—accelerates the tree’s decline.
Human impact, such as climbing and close posing, adds stress to the fragile roots.
Andros reflected, “Every day that it hangs in is pretty much a gift.”
Once a beacon of resilience, the Tree of Life now stands as a poignant symbol of nature’s impermanence and the bittersweet beauty of letting go.
