Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area park
Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area
1. Reasons to Visit:
- Natural Beauty: The conservation area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring dense forests of ancient cedar trees, lush vegetation, and scenic views.
- Hiking and Nature Trails: Ross Creek Cedar offers various hiking and nature trails that allow visitors to explore the stunning landscape while immersing themselves in nature.
- Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, elk, cougars, and a variety of bird species, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Ross Creek Cedar offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for relaxation, meditation, and escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.
2. Points of Interest:
- Ross Creek Giant Cedars Trail: This popular trail is a well-maintained, easy loop that winds through the ancient cedar forest, providing an up-close experience with the towering trees.
- Mount Baldy Lookout: A short hike leads to a historic fire lookout tower atop Mount Baldy, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Cabinet Mountains.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for glimpses of wildlife while exploring the area, especially during the early morning or late evening hours.
3. Interesting Facts:
- The Ross Creek Cedar Grove is estimated to be around 1,000 years old, and some of the trees are over 175 feet tall.
- The conservation area covers approximately 100 acres and was designated as a National Conservation Area in 1998.
- The area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is part of the larger Kootenai National Forest.
4. Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is pleasant and the hiking trails are easily accessible. However, the area can be visited year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. Fall brings vibrant foliage colors, while winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Please note that while efforts have been made to provide accurate information, it is always recommended to verify details from multiple independent sources before planning a visit to Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Medicine Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Bad Medicine | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Spar Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Spar Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Dorr Skeels Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Dorr Skeels | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area
What can I do at Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Ross Creek Cedar National Conservation Area.