Although the massive old-growth trees are mostly long-gone, this remains one of the world’s best places to grow trees. In fact, foresters note that the rich volcanic soils, hospitable climate and ample rainfall of Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon are uniquely suited to growing the highest-quality fine-grained Douglas fir, fine-grained red cedar and hardwoods such as maple and alder.

Just as some of these species await the fall of a giant tree to open up a space for their own growth, a profusion of small companies and landowners are looking for new opportunities now that Weyerhaeuser doesn’t cast such a long shadow.