Ross Creek Cedars

We got a break from the rain that came down on Tuesday and traveled back into Montana to the Ross Creek Cedars area.  This is a 100 acre area that is home to ancient cedars, some are as large as 8 feet in diameter and as tall as 175 feet.  500 years or more old, they provide a lush canopy in which a stream flows below, moss and ferns are numerous, a picnic area is near the entrance to the path, vault toilets, and just a pretty serene atmosphere.

Paved one lane road up to the Cedars

Acre plots where timber was removed

The sentry cedar tree at entrance to parking lot

At entrance to walk path

Picnic area by stream

Glad we did not visit on a windy day!

If you look closely you can see water under the moss

As we drove back into Montana and then headed south on MT 56 (the route we came up on Sunday) we passed Bull Lake again on our right.  The homes built along the shoreline - wow.  Money abounds here.  Found the Forest Service road that cuts back into the mountains and began our ascent up to the Cedars.  Saw 5 different logging areas, so sad to see but I guess necessary.  Replanting has not been done, the cuts look recent.

Moss and lichen covered just about everything

Lovely - waiting to see deer but did not spot any

Interpretive signs through out walk

Turned again up another road and this was a one lane paved (amazing!) road.  Had to hug the side when another car approached.  One large cedar stood as a sentry at the entrance to the parking lot - reminded us of the giant sequoias standing guard in the national park.  If you want to picnic, lovely area to sit by the stream.  Read the entrance way signage and off we went.

Was surprised that the Cedar area was so well used.  Maybe 10 cars in the lot when we came in and about the same (different) when we left.  And we passed 3 more coming up the road.

The Cedars are 'bigguns'

Gnarley nobby growths at times, roots look like teeth

Birds chirping overhead - was on the lookout for deer but I think we all were too noisy.  Pretty stream meandering through, lots of interpretive signs explaining the life of the forest.  Benches every now and then to sit and enjoy nature.  And very damp.  When you stared down at a wet area, you could see water flowing under all the moss. Bridges built over the water along the pathway.  So much green!  The gnarly roots of some looked like a mass of snakes coming out of the base of the tree.

Wonder who was here first?  Bench or fallen tree?

Lichen dropped every now and then, hanging from trees

The roots looked like snakes ready to come above ground

Yep, very pretty

Just a beautiful area! The day was mostly cloudy but at the end of our walk the sun came out and the difference in contrast was a wonder to see. On our way back we saw the Cabinet Mountains again, this time much more snow.  With the rains of the day before and the chilliness, the snow fell on the upper levels.  Good for moisture, will help prevent forest fires later.

Cabinet Mountains got snow the day before