Page 62 - Flathead Beacon // 6.24.15

EXPLORE ROSS CREEK CEDARS
BY DILLON TABISH
ONE OF MY FAVORITE HIDEAWAYS IN THE state, the Ross Creek Cedars are a majes- tic and awe-inspiring place. The scenic area south of Troy is home to some of the oldest and larg- est trees in the state, 500-year-old behemoths that climb into the sky. The ancient trees, with silver wrinkles of bark, look monolithic and make for a memorable weekend adventure.
Western red cedars are native to this part of the West and can grow over 200 feet tall and 13 feet wide. They commonly live for hundreds of years. The old- est on record was verified to be 1,460. Cedars rot from the inside out, making it difficult to determine age. Those at Ross Creek are believed to be at least 500 years old, according to the local ranger district, but some could be closer to 1,000.
During the peak of summer, between 300 and 500 people on average daily visit the one-mile stretch of trail winding through the cedars.
Visitors are urged to be respectful of the natural resources. Last year a natural bridge made of inter- twining roots was stolen from the area, destroying a beloved piece of public property and devastating the community of residents who cherish the popular site.
There are no camping facilities at the cedar grove, but Bad Medicine Campground is nearby and features 17 sites for tents and RVs.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Troy follow Highway 2 east for three miles to the junction with Hwy 56. Turn and follow for 18 miles to the south end of Bull Lake and Ross Creek Cedars road 398. Follow for 4.3 miles to the parking area.
The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the state. BEACON FILE PHOTO
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JUNE 24, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM