Fungus

This is most-likely a Hemlock varnish fungus (Ganoderma tsugae). Common names include "varnish" or "lacquer" because of the glossy appearance of the red/orange portion. Other names you may hear associated with this species are "shelf", "bracket", or "conk". These names describe how the fungus' fruiting body appears on the stump, trunk, or branch. It is an important component of your woodlot by recycling carbon and nutrients from the tree stump and making it available for future generations.
Species: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma_tsugae

While we're on the mushroom ID subject, are you familiar with this one? I noticed it growing on the forest floor just outside a pine/hemlock area in mid-July. It was maybe 4 inches tall and about that big across.

I think it is a Yellow Patches (Amanita Flavoconia). It is very common in most of the eastern US from July through October. It is definitely not edible. Here's a link to more information. http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~5534.asp