Settlers Grove of Ancient Cedars, Idaho — Sunday, May. 30, 2004

The joy of this prize in the forest was appreciated well before reaching the trailhead as you drive a mile through massive huge cedar trees too! A huge trailhead. Lonely just for a man and his border collie on a holiday weekend. Strange---but everyone is either camping or fishing the rivers over this way this weekend. The hike started in drizzle and only got wetter. The trail is wonderful and I was deep in thought of seeing how nice the first 1/4 mile or more was created barrier free---I have never seen such a spectacular location to have that! If I ever become disabled or know someone needing to get into nature....this is the place I will return. It was so fascinating 1/4 mile in after three stunning creek crossings over the rapid West Fork Eagle Creek to arrive at a ""temple"" of massive cedar trees almost in a circle. A set of benches were set in a circle inside of them here. You could just feel the magic of many strong thoughts that have occurred in this location! We hiked in nearly two miles through non-stop old growth cedars. This West Fork Eagle Creek is so special as it was magically skipped by the Big Burn in 1910 and thus the trees still exist today! I was enjoying seeing so many belted kingfishers and American dippers heading up and down the creek as well!