When you think of Idaho, ancient forests of giant cedar trees aren’t exactly the first thing that come to mind. However, this place is a must-visit. The trees that are found in this forest are thought to be hundreds of years old. It’s definitely an impressive sight. Strolling through the forest, you can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported to a scene from a storybook. With towering cedars and lush green surrounding you, this place truly feel like it’s from a different world. Keep scrolling for more information.
Located amid the Coeur d’Alene National Forest north of the tiny town of Mullan is the Settler’s Grove of Ancient Cedars. This amazing forest is definitely worth a day trip the next time you find yourself in this region of North Idaho.
To get to this magical forest, you’ll drive east on I-90 from Coeur d’Alene. You’ll take Exit 43 and then travel north along Forest Highway 9 for roughly 25 miles. Here you’ll turn left onto Forest Road 152 and then left again on Forest Road 805. This is where you’ll find the trailhead.
The interpretive hiking trail through the grove is well-maintained and flat, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels including children. It isn’t long after you set off on the trail that the grove seems to swallow you up with dense and beautiful forestry.
The amount of green is mesmerizing. Complete with quaint bridges and rippling streams, the forest really feels like it’s straight off the pages of a storybook.
As you walk or bike through this ancient forest, you’ll be in awe at the massive cedars looming over you. It’s believed that many of these trees are at least 500 years old with some as old as 1,200 years old. Amazingly, these trees have survived centuries worth of natural and man-made disasters.
The forest’s serene atmosphere is instantly calming. The only sounds to be heard are the rustling of leaves and the rushing of water from the West Fork Eagle Creek. The forest is like a sweet oasis from the noise and stresses of society.
Be sure to bring a camera because you’ll definitely want to capture the beauty of these giant trees. Some of the trees in the grove stand more than 120 feet tall.
Unfortunately, the grove was victim to destructive wildfires back in 2015. The forest officially re-opened to the public last summer, but the Forest Service advises that the public uses caution when visiting the grove. Many of the partially burned trees may be unstable and at risk of falling.
The ancient forest is open year-round to the public for foot traffic only. If you decide to visit this gorgeous area, please be sure to leave the forest exactly the way you found it. You can learn more about Settler’s Grove at the Forest Service official website here.
