Cedar Grove Trail

Cedar Grove Trail is a gentle half kilometre loop through a stand of majestic old growth Western Red Cedar. Hikers of most abilities can access superb interior rainforest habitat, untarnished by natural or industrial disturbances. The trees in the grove, some with a diameter of over 2 metres, are hundreds of years old. They tower over 30 metres high, affording a canopy of dense green cedar bows, home to many species of birds and insects, as well as lichens, mosses and plants that feed larger mammals. The devil’s club, lady fern and cedar trees in the grove are typical of a moist interior forest site. This particular old growth habitat hosts the lichens and 

shrubs upon which southern mountain caribou feed during their late fall and early spring low elevation migration.

Be aware that this road may be closed in the spring as it passes a caribou maternity pen.  Check the Arrow Lakes Caribou Society website for current information. 

To access Cedar Grove Trail, drive north from Nakusp on Highway 23, toward Revelstoke. About 2 km from town, turn right onto Hot Springs Road, and follow the road for 10.8 kilometres. Turn left onto the Kuskanax Forest Service Road (GPS Point 1 on the map); drive for 4.2 km and look for the “Cedar Grove Trail 0.8 km” sign (GPS Point 2). Veer left at this sign and follow the road for 1 km; here the road branches onto a spur road. Go straight on the spur; don’t take the uphill turn. A yellow sign at this branch says “0.3 km to trail” (GPS Point 3). A few hundred metres along this branch there is a wide area to turn around and park a vehicle (GPS P?), and the trail head sign marks the beginning of the loop 100 metres further along (GPS Point 4).

Cedar Grove Trail is a relatively flat trail of compact dirt. The walk around the loop is a nice, easy stroll for almost anyone. Although the trail isn’t accessible to wheelchairs, bikes or strollers, you could wheel up to the trailhead and enjoy the surroundings from there.

The Cedar Grove trail was built by the Ministry of Forests in this special forest reserve to maintain and share the habitat in its natural state.

The Cedar Grove Trail access along the Kuskanax FSR is open and in good summer condition. The trail is clear of hazards and obstructions. Trail markings and signs will be replaced and updated this year.

If the Cedar Grove Trail appealed to you, try the Wrap Around Nakusp Trail, Box Lake Nature Trail or portions of the Nakusp to Summit Lake Rail Trail, which are also relatively short, easy hikes in this area.