Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars

Western redcedar is a tree of wet, sheltered ground, and this pocket in the Selkirks had exactly the moist, protected conditions it needs to grow to great age and size. The grove that once stood here was larger, a genuine ancient forest.

In 1926 a fire tore through and burned roughly three-quarters of it, leaving only a few small, disconnected pieces. The trees you walk among today are what came through that fire, which is part of why the grove was designated a protected scenic area to keep the survivors standing.

The grove carries the Roosevelt name in honor of the conservation era that valued places like this. Walking it is a lesson in both time and luck, ancient trees that happened to be standing where the flames did not reach.

Western redcedar has been central to the peoples of the interior Northwest for a very long time, its bark and wood used for clothing, baskets, canoes, and shelter, and it remains important to the tribes of the region today. A tree this size can be many hundreds of years old, and its fibrous, rot-resistant wood is why cedars this ancient can still be standing.

In the grove the cedars share the ground with western white pine, western hemlock, and a lush understory of ferns, devils club, and moss, the signature look of the Panhandle's wet inland rainforest.

Just past the cedar loop, a short walk leads to Granite Falls, where the creek drops in a cool cascade through the trees, a natural companion to the grove and a good place to feel the temperature drop.

This far-north forest is home to some of Idaho's rarest wildlife, including the occasional woodland caribou history and a genuine chance of moose, black bear, and a rich birdlife in the dense canopy. It is quiet, out-of-the-way country, and that is the point.

This is a summer and early-fall destination. The forest roads that reach the grove are not maintained in winter and hold snow well into spring, so plan for the warm months.

Early summer can be buggy in this damp forest, and fall brings cool, clear days and fewer people. Whenever you come, the grove itself is a short, shaded, easy walk, a small reward for the long drive to the top of the Panhandle.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars, in the far northern Idaho Panhandle near Priest Lake, is a magnificent grove of towering old-growth western red cedar trees, some hundreds of years old and among the largest and oldest in the region. A short trail winds through the cathedral-like forest of massive ancient cedars, and the area also features nearby Granite Falls, a beautiful waterfall. Protected as a natural landmark, this rare surviving stand of ancient forest offers a serene, awe-inspiring walk among giants. With its towering ancient cedars and forest beauty, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars offers a spectacular destination in Idaho.

You can walk the short trail through the awe-inspiring grove of towering ancient western red cedar trees, marvel at the massive, centuries-old giants, take in the serene, cathedral-like old-growth forest, and visit the nearby Granite Falls waterfall. The ancient cedars and the peaceful forest are the highlights, offering a rare chance to walk among such old and enormous trees, along with the bonus of the scenic falls. It is a serene, memorable stop. With its ancient cedars, forest trail, and nearby waterfall, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars offers a rewarding experience in the northern Idaho Panhandle.

The grove is in a remote area near Priest Lake reached by forest roads, some unpaved, that are best in dry conditions and typically accessible in the warmer months, so come prepared with a suitable vehicle, water, and supplies. The trail through the grove is short but can be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes, and stay on the path to protect the fragile ancient trees and forest. It is bear country, so take precautions. Coming prepared for the remote setting and staying on the trail ensure a rewarding visit to the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars in Idaho.

Late spring through fall is the best time, when the forest roads to the grove are clear of snow, the weather is mild, and the trail and nearby Granite Falls are accessible, with summer the peak season and the falls fullest in late spring and early summer from snowmelt, while fall brings pleasant weather and forest color. The remote roads are snowbound in winter. For the best access to the grove and falls, aim for late spring through fall at the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars in the northern Idaho Panhandle.

The Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars is in the far northern Idaho Panhandle near Priest Lake, with nearby Granite Falls, within reach of the Selkirk Mountains, Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille to the south, and the North Idaho wilderness. That makes the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars a spectacular stop to combine with Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and the other attractions of the Idaho Panhandle on a visit to the state.