Idaho is home to all sorts of natural wonders that non-Idahoans don’t even know exist. People are shocked when we tell them that Idaho is home to a waterfall taller than Niagara Falls and one of the largest lava fields in the country. It’s these little-known destinations that make living in Idaho so exciting. There’s even one place that few longtime Idahoans seem to know about and it’s featured below. This old growth forest is home to some seriously old trees, and yet few people realize they’re there. This ancient forest is a spectacular sight, and seeing it should be on everybody’s bucket list.
No, you don’t have to travel to Northern California just to see some humongous, old trees. In fact, you can do that right here in Idaho, and trust us—this place is SO worth seeing.
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The Giant Red Cedar National Recreation Trail is located just a few miles from the tiny North Idaho town of Elk River. Hikers of this trail will be led into dense forest of old growth cedar trees and taken to “The Champion Tree of Idaho”.
Colby Bland/Google
The trail is fully accessible and paved, so seeing these impressive trees shouldn’t be a problem for most.
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Seeing these ancient trees is truly something else. Although the grove is packed with giant cedars that will make you feel like an ant in comparison, there is one especially large one that acts as the forest’s focal point.
Rose and Mike Farmer/Google
The Giant Western Red Cedar is listed on both the Idaho and National Regsiters of Big Trees. It boasts a whopping diameter of 18-feet at chest height, and it’s 177-feet tall. It’s estimated to be one of the oldest in the grove at over 3,000 years old.
Jason Minor/Google
The tree’s immense size can be contributed to its location. The region is extremely wet and it is also conveniently placed away from the other competing cedars.
Nate Rowe/Google
Looking up at these trees, you can’t help but feel incredibly miniscule in much more than size. This ancient forest was here long before Idaho was, well, Idaho. And it will hopefully continue to be here long after we’re gone.
Jason Minor/Google To get to the Giant Red Cedar National Recreation Trail, take County Road 382 north from Elk River for approximately 10 miles. Turn right on FS Road 4764. You’ll find the trailhead roughly a quarter of a mile beyond the parking area.
What do you think? Did you know about this ancient forest in North Idaho? This place is truly incredible. For more mind-blowing destinations, check out our list of The 7 Greatest Natural Wonders In Idaho.
Tongan J/TripAdvisor
Colby Bland/Google
Nate Rowe/Google
Rose and Mike Farmer/Google
Jason Minor/Google
To get to the Giant Red Cedar National Recreation Trail, take County Road 382 north from Elk River for approximately 10 miles. Turn right on FS Road 4764. You’ll find the trailhead roughly a quarter of a mile beyond the parking area.
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