Overview
Cedar Creek flows through one of the most impressive old-growth western red cedar groves accessible from the Highway 12 corridor in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The 4-mile round-trip with 600 feet of gain is relatively accessible by the standards of this remote forest, making the grove available to visitors passing through on the Lewis and Clark Highway without committing to a full backcountry expedition.
Western red cedar is a species of the Pacific Northwest coast that extends inland into the wetter portions of northern Idaho. In the Lochsa and Selway corridors, where precipitation is higher than the rest of the state due to marine air masses that penetrate inland from the Pacific, cedars reach diameters and ages rarely seen in the interior West. Some trees in the Cedar Creek grove are estimated to be 600 years old, their trunks deeply buttressed and their bark a rich reddish-brown.
The forest floor under old-growth cedar is one of the most complex microhabitats in the Northern Rockies. Sword ferns, mosses of dozens of species, large fallen logs in various stages of decay, and the understory trees and shrubs that inhabit the shaded environment together create a biological richness that is only apparent on foot.
This trail is a good choice for visitors who want a genuine old-growth forest experience without the strenuous elevation gain of the summit routes. The forest itself is the destination.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.0: Cedar Creek Corridor
The trail begins at the trailhead off Highway 12 and immediately enters forest. The old-growth cedars are visible within the first quarter-mile: massive trunks rising from the forest floor, spreading their crowns over the trail. Cedar Creek is visible and audible to one side, its tannin-stained water running clear and dark over smooth stones.
The gradient climbs gently throughout the route, averaging about 300 feet per mile. The trail is well-worn in the lower section near the highway and becomes more natural further upstream. Downed logs of massive proportions cross the creek in several places, providing natural bridges and habitat features.
At approximately mile 1, the grove reaches its densest concentration of large trees. This is the most impressive section of the route and a natural stopping point for photography and exploration before continuing to the route's end.
The turnaround at 2 miles is at a point where the trail becomes less distinct and the terrain more demanding. Most visitors stop here and return through the grove.
When to Visit
May through October. The low starting elevation (approximately 3,000 feet) means the trail is accessible earlier than most Clearwater Mountain routes. Rainy-season visits in spring and early fall bring out the most intense green coloration in the moss and ferns.
Summer visits are pleasant and reliable. The shaded canopy keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than open terrain.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this trail carry:
- 1-2 liters of water
- Rain gear for potentially wet conditions
- A camera; the forest is highly photogenic
- Insect repellent in early season
Individual needs vary.
Practical Details
No permit required as of 2026. No trailhead facilities. Cell service absent. No camping at this trailhead; Wilderness Gateway Campground at Lowell is the nearest developed campground. Dogs allowed on leash.
Leave No Trace principles in old-growth forest include staying on designated trails to avoid compacting soil over the shallow root systems of large trees, and avoiding disturbance of downed logs which are critical habitat features.
Getting There
From Kooskia, drive east on Highway 12 approximately 45 miles. The Cedar Creek Trailhead is signed on the south side of the highway in the Lochsa corridor. From the Powell Ranger Station, drive west approximately 20 miles on Highway 12. The trailhead is accessible by all vehicle types directly from the paved highway.