Trees. Idaho is full of ’em. But some are a little more special than others. While searching for the Northwest Passage with the Corps of Discovery, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal, “The long-leafed pine forms the principle timber of the neighborhood.” In this document, penned nearly 300 years ago, Lewis was describing the West’s Ponderosa Pine, a tree so towering and majestic that its very name – ponderosa – is Latin for “heavy, weighty, and inspired.”

The history of this is rooted in Idaho’s landscape. And Idaho just happens to be home to the world’s largest pine tree, tucked away in one of the most beautiful parks in the state. It’s the perfect family outing and photo op, all in one!

Tucked snugly in the heart of Kathryn Albertson Park is a cross section of what is thought to be the largest Ponderosa Pine tree known to man.
DieselDemon/Flickr
While no longer standing, its size is impressive, to say the least.
Floyd Weeks/GoogleMaps
The giants can reach up to eight feet in diameter and tower hundreds of feet into the air. But while modern man can appreciate their sheer size, Native Americans knew of and prized the Ponderosa's thick, almost fireproof bark. Entire forests can be found standing, merely singed, among smaller pines that bear the detrimental scars of intense wildfires.
The cross-section stands majestically on its side so visitors can see how truly immense this tree was in its heyday.
Travis Emery/Google Local
With a diameter of nine feet, four inches, this incredible giant grew well beyond the average Ponderosa size before being felled in Donnelly sometime in the 1980s.
Based on tree ring counts, the seed germinated well before the Mayflower pilgrims landed in Plymouth Rock in 1620.
Karl Fengler/GoogleMaps
According to people who know how to count tree rings, this gentle giant was around 376 years old when it met its end by chainsaw sometime in the late 1980s.
It was donated by a man from Donnelly named Frank Edwards, so we can assume it was taken from the Payette or Boise National Forest.
bilge-water/Flickr
While heartbreaking to know that such a majestic tree had its life cut short, metal dials on the trunk note when significant historical events happened in history.
Floyd Weeks/GoogleMaps
Determined viewers can still attempt to count the rings, although as the tree continues to age, time takes its toll.

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The World's Largest Ponderosa Pine Tree is housed in its own monument, near a rentable shelter in the Rookery section of the park.
Floyd Weeks/GoogleMaps
While perhaps not a destination on its own, depending on how much of a tree-lover you are, it's definitely worth a stop!
Angel Martinez/GoogleMaps
And the tree's gorgeous setting doesn't hurt either.
Irene Dailey/GoogleMaps
Multiple lily pad ponds and quaint walking bridges create a true urban oasis.
Beachaholic1962/TripAdvisor
While water features and abundant wildlife add character to the more modern playgrounds and grassy fields.
Louis Ruth Photography/GoogleMaps
Geese, turtles, deer, small mammals... they all call this place home. Make it a challenge to see who can photograph the most!
But...don't leave without snapping a photo yourself!
LakeBumsinTexas/TripAdvisor
The World's Largest Ponderosa pine tree is right here in Idaho, where it was planted, grown, harvested, and now preserved for future generations.

Too cool! Did you know that the world’s largest pine tree was right here in Idaho? Our state is full of surprises! For another humble giant, check out our previous post on the oldest tree in the country… it’s here in Idaho, too.

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World's largest pine tree in Idaho

Sarah M. | February 04, 2022

What are some other unique roadside attractions in Idaho?

One of our favorite quirky roadside attractions in Idaho is a doggone good one over in Cottonwood. Located off Highway 95, the Dog Bark Park Inn is housed in the belly of Sweet Willy, the world's largest beagle. The rooms of this quirky B&B are appropriately adorned with dog-themed decor and literature, making for a doggone delightful experience. If you don’t want to stay the night, you should stop to merely admire the structure, which features a picturesque prairie backdrop. You'll also find an on-site gift shop with replicas of the beagle for sale, in true roadside attraction fashion.

Does Idaho have any other world records?

In addition to the world's largest pine tree being in Idaho, our state is full of other superlatives and world records. Our fascinating geologic landscape, unique culture, and underrated history has all contributed to the wonderful state we are today, with many a world record accrued along the way! Let's start with a natural one: Idaho is home to the "highest navigable river in the world" -- the St. Joe River, which has its headwaters in the high Bitterroot mountains of Northern Idaho, flows from an elevation of 6,487 feet. While there are tiny, babbling "rivers" found at higher elevations around the world, the mighty Joe is the only river of its elevation large enough to boat, fish, play, and otherwise enjoy. Another world record held by Idaho is the longest single-stage gondola ride in the world. The Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg may be making a name for itself with their fresh powder and indoor waterpark, but their 3.1 mile gondola ride is still holding fort when it comes to this world record. Curious about more Idaho world records? Check out this list!

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Kathryn Albertson Park, 1001 S Americana Blvd, Boise, ID 83706, USA