Ancient Cedars Trail
Hike through a magical grove of 750+ year old cedars, featuring a waterfall and lake views. A truly ancient and awe-inspiring forest experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the bugs and crowds
Ancient Cedars Trail
Best Time
Beat the bugs and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through a magical grove of 750+ year old cedars, featuring a waterfall and lake views. A truly ancient and awe-inspiring forest experience.
"The hike is absolutely incredible, feels remote and not too many people."
🚗 Conquer the Rough Road
Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend
Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Cedar Trees
The Grove
Stand in awe of massive, 750+ year old red and yellow cedars. Touching these giants is an unforgettable, magical experience.

Scenic Waterfall
Along the trail
A picturesque small waterfall adds to the trail's natural beauty, offering a refreshing sight amidst the ancient forest.

Showh Lake Lookout
Trail viewpoint
Enjoy a beautiful lookout point offering views of Showh Lake, a perfect spot for a brief rest and photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Trailhead
Bug Spray is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Conquer the Rough Road
Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend
Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too.
🥾 Sturdy Footing Needed
Pay attention to your footing on the trail, especially with fallen trees and uneven terrain.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
This trail is a great option for hiking with your furry friends!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Conquer the Rough Road
Drive slowly and carefully on the pothole-ridden access road; sedans can manage with patience.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Best Friend
Pack industrial-strength bug spray; mosquitoes are hungry! Long sleeves help too.
🥾 Sturdy Footing Needed
Pay attention to your footing on the trail, especially with fallen trees and uneven terrain.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
This trail is a great option for hiking with your furry friends!
📸 Capture the Giants
The sheer size of the ancient cedars is breathtaking; take your time to photograph them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the awe-inspiring ancient cedars, describing the hike as magical and incredible. The scenic waterfall and lake lookout are also highlights. However, the rough access road and persistent, hungry mosquitoes are significant drawbacks for many.
"Early Sept ‘25 hike. Seasonal temperatures double what they normally are. Smoke in the air from near by fires. It’s a bit of a rutted road to get to the trail head but absolutely doable.
The hike, absolute chefs kiss. It’s fantastic. You hike uphill - however every way you look it’s gorgeous. Loved getting here and hiking here.
You should do it. It’s incredible, feels remote and not too many people."
Zack Simone
"Beautiful hike to old red and yellow cedars (estimated at least 750 years for the Red Cedars), a picturesque small water fall, a look-out point to Showh Lake, some interesting rocks - and plenty of hungry mosquitoes. The access road is not too steep but well known for its potholes, best for 4x4 with moderate clearance.
The hiking trail is well-maintained and marked, starting uphill and then levelling out a bit, about 5km for in and out."
Silke Cresswell
"Fantastic hike to see many huge old growth trees. Setting was magical bc there was still a bit of snow on the ground here and there bringing the already gorgeous scenery to another level. Not many ppl bc road to trailhead is bumpy (about 20 min to go 3km, but just go slow no big deal)."
Astra Renwick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via a rough, pothole-filled road. While 4x4 vehicles are recommended, many visitors in sedans have successfully navigated it by driving slowly and cautiously. Allow an extra 20 minutes for the 3km drive.
The road is known for its ruts and potholes, making it challenging for standard vehicles. However, with careful driving and a moderate clearance vehicle, it's generally manageable.
Yes, it's possible in a regular car like a Rav 4, but be prepared for a bumpy ride and potential for minor damage if not careful. Driving slowly is key.
The final stretch to the trailhead is about 3km but can take around 20 minutes due to the poor road conditions.
Some visitors have reported the trail not being well-labeled, so it's advisable to have a map or GPS handy, or ask locals for directions if unsure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ancient Cedars Trail is generally free to access. There are no admission fees required to enter the trail.
The trail is an outdoor natural area and is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. There are no set operating hours.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, though it can be limited during peak times.
No permits are typically required for hiking the Ancient Cedars Trail. It's a public access area.
It's crucial to check local wildfire status and air quality advisories before visiting, as trails may be closed due to safety concerns.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail is approximately 5km round trip. It starts with an uphill climb and then levels out. It's considered moderate difficulty due to the terrain and initial ascent.
You'll see magnificent old-growth red and yellow cedars, some estimated to be over 750 years old. The grove is truly awe-inspiring.
Yes, there can be fallen trees on the trail that require scrambling over, ducking under, or inching around.
The trail's moderate difficulty and uneven terrain might be challenging for very young children. However, older children who can handle a 5km hike would likely enjoy it.
Hiking in the early morning is recommended to avoid the worst of the bugs and potentially have the trail to yourself.
🎫 🦟 Pests & Protection
Yes, many visitors report encountering numerous hungry mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially during warmer months.
It's highly recommended to use strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider a head net for maximum protection.
Bugs tend to be most prevalent during warmer seasons and can be particularly bothersome during the day.
While the focus is on the trees, be aware of your surroundings as you would in any natural environment. No specific wildlife concerns are frequently mentioned.
While bug spray is essential, some visitors still get bitten, indicating the insects can be very persistent. Reapplication might be necessary.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The massive ancient cedars are the main stars, offering incredible scale. Also, capture the small waterfall and the scenic lookout over Showh Lake.
Capturing the immense scale of the trees can be challenging. Using a wide-angle lens can help convey their size.
Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer people. However, the magical atmosphere of the ancient grove can be appreciated at any time.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone in natural areas.
The lookout point for Showh Lake provides a scenic backdrop. The grove itself offers numerous angles to photograph the colossal cedars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Access Road
Key Takeaway: Patience and a slow pace are your best allies on this road. Don't rush, and you'll likely make it to the trailhead without issue, even in a non-4x4 vehicle.
The Majesty of Ancient Cedars
Many visitors describe the feeling of touching these trees as magical and impossible to explain in words. It's a chance to witness the resilience and grandeur of nature that has stood for centuries. The trail winds through this magnificent forest, allowing you to immerse yourself in its serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Dealing with the Local Wildlife (Insects!)
Despite the bug situation, the trail's beauty often outweighs this nuisance for many. The key is to be proactive with protection. Early morning hikes might offer a slight reprieve, but it's best to assume the bugs will be present and come prepared.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit