Overview
Ross Creek Cedars is one of the most extraordinary accessible experiences in the Kootenai National Forest, a 100-acre grove of ancient western redcedar that survived centuries of fire, logging, and climate change in a protected side drainage near Troy, Montana. The 1.4-mile loop trail through the grove encounters trees measuring 8 to 12 feet in diameter with bark so deeply furrowed it could hide your hand. Some of these trees were centuries old before the first European explorers reached North America.
The grove exists because it sits in a fireproof microenvironment: the moist air of the creek drainage, the high canopy humidity, and the natural firebreak created by Ross Creek itself have protected the cedars from the periodic fires that cleared surrounding forests. The result is a living relic of the old-growth forests that once covered much of the northern Rockies before logging began in the late 1800s.
The Route
Trailhead to Grove Entry (0 to 0.2 miles)
The loop begins at the trailhead and enters the grove almost immediately. The transition from the parking area to the grove interior is striking: within 200 yards, the canopy closes above you and the temperature drops several degrees. The interpretive panels at the grove entry explain the ecology and geology that protect this stand.
Grove Interior (0.2 to 1.0 miles)
The loop winds through the heart of the grove past the largest specimens. Several trees are marked with interpretive signs identifying their approximate age and size. Ross Creek runs through the grove and is accessible from the trail. The sound of the creek and the cathedral atmosphere of the giant trees create an experience that is difficult to describe and easy to remember.
Return Loop (1.0 to 1.4 miles)
The trail completes the loop on a slightly different route through the outer grove before returning to the trailhead.
When to Hike
May through October is the accessible season. The paved and boardwalk sections of the trail make this accessible in spring before other forest trails clear. In summer, the grove provides a cool, shaded environment on hot days.
Year-round visits are possible in mild winters, though the dirt sections of the loop can be muddy after heavy rain.
Morning visits provide the best light in the grove: the filtered quality of light through the high cedar canopy at dawn and mid-morning is exceptional.
What to Bring
This short trail requires minimal preparation. Many visitors bring a camera and take more time than they expected. Water is available from Ross Creek but requires filtering. The grove is cool even in summer, so a light layer is worth having.
Trailhead Access
Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is on Bull Lake Road 4 miles south of Bull Lake, accessible from Troy on Highway 56. The road is paved to the trailhead. No fee or permit is required (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present. Parking for 20 to 30 vehicles in a paved lot.
Dogs are welcome and the accessible terrain suits dogs of all ages.
Nearby
Ross Creek Cedars is 20 miles from Troy and 40 miles from Libby. Kootenai Falls Trail is a comparable accessible destination near Libby. The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness trailheads are 30 to 60 minutes from the grove for those combining a grove visit with a more demanding hike. Check current conditions at the USFS guide and follow Leave No Trace principles in this fragile and irreplaceable old-growth ecosystem.