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.

While no longer standing, its size is impressive, to say the least.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Determined viewers can still attempt to count the rings, although as the tree continues to age, time takes its toll.

The World's Largest Ponderosa Pine Tree is housed in its own monument, near a rentable shelter in the Rookery section of the park.

While perhaps not a destination on its own, depending on how much of a tree-lover you are, it's definitely worth a stop!

And the tree's gorgeous setting doesn't hurt either.

Multiple lily pad ponds and quaint walking bridges create a true urban oasis.

While water features and abundant wildlife add character to the more modern playgrounds and grassy fields.

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!

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.