Big Cedar Stump / Smokey Point

The stump has moved three times, and the board's own map numbers every stop: where it grew; 150 yards north behind horse teams in 1922; taken apart and rebuilt just north of Portage Creek beside the newly finished US 99 in 1939; and this rest area in 1971. Before any of that, fire burned out its hollow base in 1893, and in 1916 Paul Wangsmo and Ole Rodway cut archways through it. Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha of Norway drove through it in May 1939. It stands here now under a shed roof.

What the plaque says

Big Cedar Stump This famous stump remains as evidence of the giant trees which once forested this area. Over 20 feet in diameter and 200 feet tall, the huge "Western Redcedar" is believed to have been more than 1000 years old. Discovered by early settlers of the area, the following is a resume of its recorded history: 1893 - The stump was killed by a fire which started in its hollow base. 1916 - After the top was removed, Paul Wangsmo and Ole Rodway cut and chopped three spines from the core and cut archways through the stump. 1922 - After cutting the stump off at its base, Ole Reinseth and Slim Husby used horse teams to drag it north 150 yards where it was set on a concrete base. 1939 - The stump, by now cracked, was taken apart and pieced back together just north of Portage Creek, alongside the newly completed U.S. 99. On May 27, Crown Prince Olav and Princess Martha of Norway drove through the stump. 1971 - The stump's final move brought it here. 1 Original location 2 1st move-1922 3 2nd move-1939 4 Present location In memory of - Joe Craig - who restored this sign and later gave his life in service to the public

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Deception Pass — 27 mi
  A tide race between Whidbey and Fidalgo islands that fooled George Vancouver, and the 1935 bridge that finally tied Whidbey to the mainland.

More markers nearby

• Deception Pass — 27 mi