Did you know that the world’s largest recorded Ponderosa Pine is just 30 minutes south of Bend, Oregon? Big Tree is an impressive sight to see and is located in LaPine State Park in La Pine, Oregon. So if you’re looking to add a little adventure to your day, this Heritage Tree is very accessible and a fun one to check off your PNW bucket list!
Big Tree Stats
- Approximate Age, 500 years old
- Circumference 28 feet, 11 inches
- Height 162 feet
Planning Your Trip
- State Park Pass fee required
- Dogs are allowed on leash
- Parking lot / picnic tables at Day Use Area (open April – November)
- ADA accessible (from the Day Use Area)
- Hiking trails nearby for more exploring!
The paved pathway from the parking lot makes Big Tree accessible for everyone!
Getting There
Once you enter LaPine State Park, there are signs that will direct you towards the Big Tree Day Use area. During the warmer months (April – November), the Big Tree Day Use Area is open, allowing cars to park at the trailhead and access a short paved path to Big Tree. During the winter months (December – March), the Day Use road is closed but you can still make your way to Big Tree via a trail off the side of the road, a little bit before the Day Use Area road, so you’ll have to turn around and come back the way you came to find it! When we went in December, the gate was closed, so we found a spot to park off the road that was close to the trail and a straight shot to the tree. Below are the coordinates for the trail entrance during the winter months.
>> 43°46’01.1″N 121°31’00.4″W <<
There is a little pull in area that is easy to spot and it conveniently sits right at the trailhead
Happy hiking!
DriftBound 