Ancient Giants Near Bull Lake: A Visitor's Guide to Montana's Ross Creek Cedars | Shangrilog

Tucked into a fold of the Cabinet Mountains in Northwest Montana, the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area protects something most people don't expect to find this far inland: a grove of towering western red cedars that feels lifted straight out of a Pacific coastal rainforest. For anyone living near or traveling through Troy and Bull Lake, it's one of the region's most rewarding short outings — though right now, a little planning is essential.

A protected grove with deep roots

Set aside as a scenic area in 1960, this 100-acre stretch of the Kootenai National Forest shelters trees that predate European arrival in North America. The largest cedars measure close to eight feet across and climb to roughly 175 feet, and the oldest are estimated at about a thousand years. Beneath them, ferns, moss, and devil's club carpet a shaded floor while Ross Creek runs clear over a rocky bed. The effect is hushed and cathedral-like — visitors tend to lower their voices without being asked.

Important: current access notice

Residents planning a trip should know that Ross Creek Cedars Road #398 is presently closed to vehicles due to flood and windstorm damage from December 2025. The road slumped and washed out in sections, so drivers cannot reach the trailhead by car.

The grove and its nature loop remain open to foot and bicycle traffic, and Forest Service crews have cleared the loop. However, vault toilets and trash service are suspended during the closure, so plan restroom stops ahead and pack out everything you bring in. Expect leftover hazards too: blowdown, deposited sediment, shifted bridges, and uneven ground. Stay on cleared paths and heed posted warnings. Because repairs are ongoing, confirm the current status through the Kootenai National Forest's Ross Creek Scenic Area page before heading out.

What the walk is like

Under normal conditions, the self-guided nature loop runs just under a mile on a wide, gentle path, with interpretive signs and benches along the way. Most people finish comfortably in an unhurried hour. A longer, rougher trail continues up-valley toward waterfalls for those wanting a full day hike. This is bear country, so carry bear spray, keep dogs leashed, and make noise if you venture past the loop.

When to go

Late spring through early summer is the standout stretch, when ferns unfurl and the creek runs full with snowmelt. Summer's deep canopy shade offers a cool midday escape, fall brings golden larch on the surrounding slopes, and winter — access permitting — turns the grove quiet and striking. Early mornings are calmest in any season.

Planning a stay nearby

If you're building a longer trip around the cedars, Shangrilog on Bull Lake sits about 13 minutes from the grove and makes an easy home base — a handcrafted log cabin on private shoreline sleeping up to ten. To ask about current road conditions or check available dates, reach the Shangrilog team directly at (406) 295-0100. A quick call before you drive out is the fastest way to get the latest word on access.

Read the original post here: https://bulllakecabin.com/ross-creek-cedars-visitor-guide/