Ancient Cedars area to open Saturday
Courtesy photo The entrance to the Settler’s Grove Ancient Cedars will be open once again to visitors beginning Saturday.
The Settler’s Grove of Ancient Cedars is reopening to visitors this weekend after being closed since the Grizzly Complex fire burned the area in 2015.
Located in the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District, the area has been under an emergency closure for health and safety.
The ancient cedars are a unique botanical feature along the West Fork of Eagle Creek, which is also the route of the popular Settler’s Grove Trail No. 162. The area offers a glimpse into the bottomland ecosystems encountered by gold prospectors and settlers in the 1880s and is managed to preserve the naturalness of the area for recreational, botanical and historical experiences. Forest management direction requires balancing this area for public access, safety, and minimal disturbance to the ancient trees.
Hazards are always present in the forest, but where fire has burned, snags and partially burned trees may be especially unstable and prone to failure. The Forest Service is asking visitors to please read and follow cautionary guidelines posted on warning signs at the trailhead. In particular, visitors are asked to avoid the area on windy days, stay on the cleared trail, to not linger in areas of fire-damaged trees, and be aware of debris that could fall from overhead. Visitors are advised to be aware of potential hazards, and travel the trail responsibly.