Kokanee Old Growth Cedars
The old growth trail up Kokanee Creek is a short and spectacular hike. The cedars are ancient and massive, reaching up towards the sky and back across the centuries.
Distance, round trip:Â 2.4km
Elevation:Â +100m
Time: 1 hour (lollipop)
Season: mid-June to late October
Difficulty:Â
 Easy Trailhead & Driving Directions
Drive 11.7km up Kokanee Glacier Road. The road is suitable for a 2WD low-clearance vehicle with several pullouts to meet oncoming traffic.
- At 2.3 km (1.4 mi), keep left on the main road.
- At 6.4 km (4 mi), stay left on the main road, ignoring the deactivated right spur.
- At 7.2 km (4.5 mi), stay straight on the main road, ignoring the descending left fork.
- At 8.2 km (5.1 mi) and 8.5 km (5.3 mi), ignore the deactivated right spurs.
- At 11.7 km (7.3 mi), reach the signed trailhead on the left with a large pullout for parking.
This trail is typically open June to November, based on snow levels.
Down to Kokanee Creek
The trail quickly descends to the creek in a series of steps and switchbacks. It’s an easy trek, suitable for all levels of hikers.
The path is peppered with interpretive signs and view points. The forest is considered old growth because it has reached a stage of ecological equilibrium – not because it has never been logged. There are many old stumps that bear the century-old mark of springboards where loggers once stood and swung axes.
The Cedar Grove
These trees are big. Huge! Their bark twists up in papery layers and disappears into the distant canopy. It is impossible to take a picture that shows the magnitude of each tree – you’ve just got to go there!
Walking into an old growth cedar forest invokes the same quiet reverence as walking into a medieval cathedral. There is a history and timelessness in the grove that is palpable. Some of these cedars are estimated to be over 800 years old.
Looping Back Up
After winding through the cedar grove, the trail loops back along the creek to rejoin the main section.
All in all, this is a neat little spot if you’re spending some time in the area and looking for a family-friendly hike. If you’re looking for more adventure, drive another 10 minutes up Kokanee Glacier Road and you’ll come to the trailhead for the short Gibson Lake Trail as well as the bigger Kokanee Lake Trail.
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I went today (not knowing what to expect… didnt read this page beforehand). Awesome place, accessible and majestic. Highly recommended.
are dogs allowed in this part?
Yes, this is outside the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park boundary so dogs are allowed. The cedar grove falls under the jurisdiction of Rec Sites & Trails which is separate from BC Parks.
Notice there is a trail that returns to the road lower down. Is it possible to drop husband and kids at the top and pick them up at the bottom?
That’s an older trail that has been blocked off at the bottom with logs. It is possible to still pick your way up to the road, but the official trail sticks to the loop and then returns to the trailhead.