Photo ©2010 and Commentary ©2026 by Chuck Davis
Monday, March 9, 2026
One might think that the damage in today’s photo was caused by careless disregard of the forest. But it is not what it seems. The platform that was chopped into the trunk of this tree is just one example of more that fifteen trees with similar holes that I have found in the Commonwealth Basin near Snoqualmie Pass. It is a remnant of commercial fur trapping that took place until the early 1950’s. The trapper used the platform to place bait and a trap in hopes of catching a fur bearing animal. Typical targets in this area included: fishers, pine martens, weasels, ermines and other similar animals. Now within the boundaries of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, all commercial activity is prohibited. As the trees age, the old “Trapper Trees” are disappearing.
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4 NIV). Many today discount the Bible account because they find no modern evidence. To their detriment, they ignore the extensive objective support of archeological finds.
Today’s photo is a caution. At some point all signs of trapping in the Basin will disappear. Like with the Bible, skeptics might then discount the historical accounts of this activity. I encourage you to read all of 2 Peter 3 for the rest of the story.