The forest consists of a combination of cypresses, hemlocks and warm-zone broadleaf Fagaceae species. Each tree variety includes giant trees. The giant Red Cypress below Heaven Lake stands at 50 meters with six branches extending from the trunk. From Heaven Lake to Anma Villa, the branches of Layered Crowns Hemlocks cross with and compete with the branches of the Bird-lime Trees (Trochodendron aralioides), which are graceful relic plants. Around the villa, there are broadleaf giant trees such as Mori Oak and Castanopsis carlesii beside tall cypresses. The flowers, fruits and fall leaves are particularly precious. The beautiful flowers includeYushan Azalea, Taiwanese Cherry, Japanese Knoweed, Formosan Lily, and Digitalis. Although the spectacular Taiwanese Armand Pine is the largest conifer in Taiwan, the red fruit of Taiwanese Stranvaesia and Many-seed Idesia are even more appealing. The fruits of Taiwanese Stranvaesia show up at the same time as the red leaves while the fruit of the Many-seed Idesia attract many foraging birds. In late autumn, Taiwanese Red Maple seems to paint this area with a red brush, so the view of the mist looks especially poetic. Other color-changing trees include Green Maple, Taiwanese Cherry, Taiwanese Stranvaesia, Wax Tree, and Yellow Poplar. The view of their autumn leaves is among the best of all the recreational areas.

Since this area is a mixed coniferous-broadleaf forest, it is the best bird habitat; visitors can sight rare species such as Mikado’s Pheasants, Swinhoe’s Pheasants, Yellow Tits, and Woodpeckers. Other common colorful songbirds include Nutcrackers, Formosan Laughing Thrushs, White Ear Sibias, Formosan Hill Partridges, Green-backed Tits, Vivid Niltavas, and Pied Wheatears. Dasyueshan is not only the best place for bird-watching in Taiwan, but it is also among the best in the world. There are also numerous insects. Moths are especially common. Examples are the Ash Luna Moth, Brahmophthalma wallichii, and Loepa katinka formosensis.

There are several forest-shower trails visitors can use to enjoy the nature. The famous “Yunzui-Shaolai-Shiaoshuishan” national trail is very popular for hiking. Its entrance is located at the 27-kilometer mark of Dasyueshan Forest Road. This area is modest, peaceful, and full of nature and it provides the best combination of geology, landscape views, fair weather, fauna and flora. Historically, it was a prominent logging area and many photos and tools are preserved on site or at the Dongshi logging factory. A trip to Dasyueshan is a worthwhile experience rich in forestry history and ecotourism