Tree Resin 101: Upgrade Your Wellness with Montana’s Best Natural Finds
Often called “forest gold,” tree resin is far more than just a sticky substance found on bark. It serves as a biological shield and a natural guardian for the trees that define our landscape. In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at the science and beauty of the resin produced by our local giants—the Douglas-fir, Lodgepole Pine, and Western Larch—and exploring why tree resin is such an incredible resource to your wellness.
Most importantly, we’re exploring how to appreciate this gift sustainably. By understanding how to identify and admire resin without ever harming the trees, we can connect with nature on a much deeper level.
The Trees of Spencer and Lion Mountain Trails
Douglas-fir: These are everywhere on Lion Mountain. The resin is clear and has a citrusy-balsamic scent—perfect for natural fragrances.
Lodgepole Pine: You’ll find these slender trees along the Spencer access roads. The resin is thick and “piney,” perfect for soaps and salves.
Western Larch (Tamarack): Famous for turning gold in the fall, these trees produce a unique, slightly sweeter resin that adds a beautiful depth to handmade candles.
We found these trees on Spencer and Lion Mountain trails, but honestly, these are extremely common in Montana, so you can find anywhere!
The Natural Benefits of Resin
Tree resin is packed with compounds designed to protect the tree.
When used in wellness products, here are some benefits for us:
Aromatherapeutic: The scent of pine and fir resin (alpha-pinenes) is scientifically shown to lower stress and improve focus.
Antimicrobial: Resin is nature’s bandage, naturally resisting bacteria and fungi.
Protective Barrier: It’s an incredible natural sealant for skin, hair, and even outdoor gear.
How to Make Use of “Forest Gold”
Once you’ve gathered your resin (see our sustainability tips below!), you can make your ownall natural, forest-inspired products:
Body Soap: Using resin in your soap is a great way to capture its antimicrobial benefits. It creates a refreshing, wood-scented lather that feels incredibly revitalizing after a day on the trails.
Natural Candles: Tree resin is highly valued in candle making for its rich, long-lasting scent. It pairs perfectly with natural waxes to create a clean-burning candle that smells exactly like a fresh afternoon in the woods.
- Botanical Hair Oil: Pine resin can be infused into oils to help soothe the scalp and provide a natural, healthy shine to your hair.
Ethical Harvesting: Not Harming the Trees
This is the most important part of being a responsible forager. We never cut, “tap,” or wound a living tree. Doing so can expose the tree to disease or pests. To harvest ethically:
Look for “Forest Tears”: Only collect the hardened drips that have already leaked out of the tree naturally.
Focus on Fallen Timbers: Check trees that have naturally fallen due to wind or snow. These are the best sources because the tree no longer needs the resin for its own protection.
Leave the “Scab”: If the resin is still covering an active wound, leave it alone. Only take the brittle, excess overflow that is easily detached.
Foraging for resin at Lion Mountain and Spencer is about more than just the “natural hacks”—it’s about connecting with the Montana landscape in a deeper way. By harvesting with respect and never harming the trees, we ensure these trails stay healthy and beautiful for every hiker and biker who follows.
Quick Tip: Resin is incredibly sticky! Always carry it in a glass jar, as it can be nearly impossible to remove from plastic bags or technical hiking gear.