Exactly! I am on Kitsap peninsula too and pick mushrooms. Great to find somebody else out there appreciating nature!

While it is parasitic, I don't think it's necessarily bad or hurt the tree. Doesn't make good timber but they are actually quite good for habit:) birds and other species (like the ferns here) are taking advantage of the platform being created. More common in older trees for sure

Western Hemlock! They are prone to get mistletoe infection on their branches which creates the funky witch's broom growth. Beautiful pic