Tree Dendrology in the Pacific North West

Now that I am in the Pacific Northwest  for a bit, I'm trying to figure out how to identify the local trees. Here is what i've read on forestry.about.com/library/treekey/bltree_key_id_start.htm

1. If the tree has clusters of needles , then it is likely a pine or a  larch.
2. If it has single needles directly attached to the stem, then it could be a fir, hemlock, spruce or cypress.

Not easy despite all the online help available. Each tree needs close observation, of the leaves, the bark and the cones. Stay tuned for updates in the coming posts.