Retallack Old Growth Cedars
A short, winding loop through a scenic old growth cedar grove! Some of the trees are hundreds of years old and tower up to impressive heights – it’s worth the 30 minute stop to go check out this trail!
Distance, round trip:Â 1km
Elevation: +24m
Time: 30 minutes (lollipop)
Season: early June to late September
Difficulty:Â
 Easy
Trailhead & Driving Directions
Follow Highway 31A between Kaslo and New Denver until you reach the signed turn-off for Retallack Lodge, turning off 26.5 km (16.5 mi) west of Kaslo or 19.3 km (12 mi) east of New Denver. Turn off the highway and immediately cross a bridge and park on the right. The trailhead is signed with the trail leading up Kaslo River.
Note: the trail is seasonally closed from October 1st to May 31st since black bears den in the cedar grove over winter.
Around the Grove
The trail follows the river, passes an interpretive sign, and then splits into the loop. We walked counter-clockwise and started off by crossing a small stream that led to a massive, leaning cedar.
In many places, the trail diverts around deadfall, so pay attention as you follow it along the forest floor. As it begins to circle back towards the trailhead, the trail does a short climb up a low rock ridge and then winds higher, looking down on the grove.
[…] Drive along Highway 31A between New Denver and Kaslo. Turn off at the sign for Retallack Lodge (28.6 km from downtown Kaslo), immediately cross a bridge and reset your odometer. To the right is the parking for the Retallack Old Growth Cedars Trail. […]
This is an awesome place and has two small lakes very nearby, where we sighted a moose, a small black bear and a deer!