Oregon Champion Tree Registry
Measuring the Giant Spruce of Cape Perpetua located near Yachats, OR. (Photo: Sean O'Connor) Hike to this tree.
A champion tree is the largest tree of a species. These trees are measured by using the American Forests points system (AF points) which is calculated based on the trunk circumference, the height and the average crown spread to give a total point value. Most trees are measured (how to measure trees) and nominated for champion status by ordinary people. The nominations are sent to the state registry or the Champion Trees National Register. Once the nominations are received, the field work begins to confirm the tree's size before it can be declared a champion.
List of Champion Trees
National Champion(NC), State Champion(SC), Pending Verification (PV), co-champion(-CO)
State Coordinator: Brian French
Nomination Form Submittal
Forms can be submitted anytime of the year. Nominations are not reviewed by a committee nor go through any process of legislation. This program archives tree dimensions, but does not serve any protection for trees nominated. Permission from land owners is not required for nominations in the Champion Tree Registry, however it is recommended.
1. Download and fill out form
2. Attach photographs
3. Send via email: info@ascendingthegiants.org
or send to 5922 SE Jennings Ave. Milwaukie, OR 97267
under the Oregon Champion Tree Registry, a tree is defined by the following:
- A native or non-invasive naturalized plant
- One erect perennial stem or trunk at least 3 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground
- A more or less definitely formed crown of foliage
- A height of at least 13 feet
American Forest Points:
To nominate a tree to become a champion, you need three measurements:
- Trunk Circumference
- Height
- 1/4 Average Crown Spread
Trees of the same species are compared using the following calculation:
Trunk Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + ¼ Average Crown Spread (feet) = Total Points