Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut

Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park protects a rare inland temperate rainforest featuring massive western red cedars over 1,000 years old, located approximately 115 kilometers east of Prince George in central British Columbia. The park encompasses 11,745 hectares of lush old-growth forest in the wettest portion of the Interior, where unique climatic conditions support cedar-hemlock forests typically found in coastal regions. The name Chun T'oh Whudujut comes from the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation language meaning 'mountain goat trees,' reflecting both the tall cedars and Indigenous connections to the land. The accessible boardwalk through the ancient forest provides visitors with an exceptional opportunity to experience these magnificent old-growth trees without impacting the fragile forest floor.

The dense old-growth forest provides critical habitat for numerous species including black bears, moose, woodland caribou, wolves, and wolverines that use the area for shelter and feeding. The ancient cedars support diverse wildlife including cavity-nesting birds such as pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, and various species of bats that roost in hollows of old trees. The forest understory and canopy host abundant songbirds including winter wrens, varied thrushes, and golden-crowned kinglets. Small mammals such as martens, flying squirrels, red squirrels, and shrews thrive in the complex forest structure. The nearby creeks and wetlands provide habitat for amphibians including wood frogs and western toads, while the forest supports populations of northern flying squirrels that depend on lichens growing on old-growth trees.

The inland temperate rainforest is dominated by massive western red cedars, some exceeding 1,000 years in age and reaching over 15 meters in circumference, growing alongside western hemlock and subalpine fir. The forest floor is carpeted with thick moss layers, including feather moss and step moss, creating a lush green understory characteristic of rainforest environments. Devil's club, false azalea, oak fern, and various other moisture-loving plants thrive in the humid conditions beneath the canopy. The trees support abundant epiphytic lichens including lungwort and horsehair lichen that provide important food sources for woodland caribou. The ancient forest ecosystem includes abundant coarse woody debris from fallen giants that provide nurse logs for new tree seedlings and habitat for countless invertebrates and fungi.

The park lies within the Interior Plateau region where unique geographic and climatic conditions create a narrow belt of inland temperate rainforest. The underlying bedrock consists of sedimentary and volcanic rocks from various geological periods, overlain by glacial deposits from the last ice age. The terrain features gentle rolling hills and small creek valleys carved during and after glaciation. The area receives exceptionally high precipitation due to its position where moisture-laden air masses from the Pacific Ocean are forced upward by the terrain, creating orographic precipitation. The deep, nutrient-rich soils developed over thousands of years support the massive trees and lush understory vegetation. Ongoing processes of tree fall, decomposition, and regeneration continuously reshape the forest floor.

The park experiences an exceptionally wet inland climate that receives over 1,000mm of annual precipitation, significantly higher than surrounding Interior regions. Summers are moderately warm with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, while winters are cold with temperatures from -5 to -20°C and substantial snowfall that can exceed 2-3 meters at higher elevations. The high precipitation, moderate temperatures, and abundant humidity create conditions similar to coastal temperate rainforests, allowing western red cedar to thrive far from its typical coastal range. The area experiences frequent cloud cover, fog, and rain throughout the year, with the wettest periods typically in spring and fall. The moist conditions and thick forest canopy create a cool, humid microclimate beneath the ancient trees.

The area has been part of the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation for thousands of years, with the ancient cedar forests providing essential materials for building, carving, weaving, and medicine. The massive cedars were valued for their straight-grained wood used in construction of longhouses, canoes, and totem poles, though the inland location made transport challenging. Indigenous peoples managed the forest through selective harvesting and cultural practices that maintained forest health. European exploration and resource extraction came relatively late to this remote area, with logging roads eventually providing access in the mid-20th century. The exceptional size and age of the trees attracted attention from conservationists and foresters who recognized the rarity of this inland old-growth cedar forest.

The area gained protection initially as an Ancient Forest Legacy Stand in the 1990s, recognizing the exceptional old-growth values and rare inland temperate rainforest ecosystem. In 2006, the site received provincial park designation, expanded further in subsequent years to protect a total of 11,745 hectares. The park name incorporates both English and Lheidli T'enneh language, reflecting collaborative efforts between BC Parks and local First Nations in conservation planning. A universally accessible boardwalk approximately 1 kilometer long was constructed to allow visitors to experience the ancient forest while protecting the fragile forest floor and tree roots from trampling. The park has become an important destination for eco-tourism and education about old-growth forest conservation and the unique inland temperate rainforest ecosystem.

The main attraction is the Ancient Forest Trail, a 1-kilometer elevated boardwalk that winds through the old-growth cedar forest, providing access for all abilities including wheelchairs and strollers. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk explain the ecology, cultural history, and significance of these rare inland rainforests. The trail allows close encounters with massive cedars, some over 16 meters in circumference, without damaging the sensitive forest floor ecosystem. A shorter 500-meter loop provides a quicker experience for those with limited time. The Tree Beard Trail offers additional exploration opportunities through the ancient forest, though this is a natural surface trail requiring more careful navigation. The visitor center provides exhibits, restrooms, and information about the park's natural and cultural values.

The park is located approximately 115 kilometers east of Prince George along Highway 16, with a well-marked turnoff leading to the parking area and visitor facilities. The site offers a large parking lot, modern restroom facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center with interpretive displays. The fully accessible boardwalk allows visitors of all mobility levels to experience the ancient forest. There are no camping facilities within the park, as it is managed as a day-use area, though nearby communities offer accommodation options. The site is typically open from late spring through fall, with winter access possible but challenging due to snow conditions. The park receives thousands of visitors annually, particularly during summer months when tour buses frequently include it in regional itineraries.

The park protects one of the last remaining stands of inland temperate rainforest in British Columbia, an ecosystem that once covered a larger area but has been reduced by logging to scattered remnants. Conservation priorities include protecting the ancient trees from disturbance, maintaining the hydrology that sustains the moist forest conditions, and preserving critical habitat for woodland caribou and other species dependent on old-growth forests. Climate change poses risks through altered precipitation patterns, increased fire danger during dry periods, and potential pest outbreaks that could impact tree health. The elevated boardwalk represents a sustainable tourism approach that allows public access while minimizing ecological impacts. Ongoing research monitors forest health, carbon storage in the massive trees, and the role of old-growth forests in regional biodiversity. Collaborative management with Lheidli T'enneh First Nation incorporates Indigenous knowledge and stewardship practices into park operations.