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Update: likely Grand Fir based on feedback from foresters at Spokane Conservation District and online notes that branches in direct sun may have needles which curl upwards.

Old: This was a cut branch from tree work about 600 yards up Iller Creek, just after the first stream crossing.

The needles present very differently than grand fir, of which there are many in the immediate area (Douglas Fir and hemlock close by as well). Looks like it could be Pacific silver fir with its upward pointing needles and very forward needles at the tip. Is this possible here? Cone was found underneath the branch.

I found similar needles on short branch segments on the ground on both sides of the creek here, and also much further up at about 3000 ft.

Needle tips are notched, and on front side have faint white stripe (stomata?) from tip extending just a few millimeters. No sign of that white strip on nearby grand fir needles.

The last photos are from a small standing tree where I could find similar mystery needles - 0.25 miles up trail on right, just in front of rock outcrop. Opposite 3 large larches and 3 large pines.