Rhododendron macrophyllum. With diverse soils and ancient mountains the Siskiyou-Klamath region is the southern Appalachians of the west coast, with numerous plant species native only there.

Yes, I've heard it said that region is the most diverse conifer forest in the world and has many endemic plants and other species. I'm not sure if sheer species counting is the greatest way to describe a wild area's importance, but it sure is eye-catching to have the groves changing from tall firs and pines to stands of massive madrones (arbutus) to grassy glades edged by live and deciduous oaks. It seemed the dogwoods hadn't quite caught up, but were about ready to flower most places along the Umpqua.

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