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THE FOLLOWING MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
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Length: Short Loop = 1 mile RT
Length: Long Loop = 1.75 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 400' cummulative elevation gain
Season: Mid-Summer thru Early Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Permit: No Pass Required
Summary:
The following information was taken from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest
brochure available at the trailhead of the Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area.
The trees in this forest were seedlings when Columbus sailed the ocean blue
in 1492. Many of the cedar trees in this botanical area are over 500 yrs old.
Even though there were several devastating forest fires in this area of Idaho
between 1910 and 1930, this particular grove of ancient trees was spared.
This botanical area consists of 240 acres of unspoiled natural environment. In
1969 the area was set aside as a Botanical Area, and the trails were constructed
in 1985 and completed in 1990.
The trail consistes of a large mile and a half loop, with a smaller half mile loop
located about a quarter of the way into the clock-wise hike. The trail descends
gently, and is marked in the first half mile with 17 numbered posts that represent
some special aspect of the forest.
The trail is in very good condition and is gentle enough for most hikers. The
deversity in this small area is worthy of recognition. There are over 77 different
plants along the route and 10 species of trees. Birds, deer, elk and other wildlife
inhabit this area and are seen from time to time.
I highly recommend this hike for all those who love nature and because this is
quite aways off the beaten path, you very likely will have solitude. Enjoy!
Directions:
The Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area is best reached by beginning on Forest Road 321 at
Clarkia, Idaho. Clarkia is located about 31 miles south of St. Maries on Idaho state
route 3. In the middle of town, you will see Popular St. Turn east and follow it as
it turns south to where it intersects FR 321. At this junction the sign points to Hobo
Botanical Area. Follow FR321, also called Merry Creek Rd, east for about thirteen miles
over Hobo Pass (4525') and to the junction with FR3357 (also labeled FR335). Follow this
gravel road to its end, and there is the picnic area, toilet, and trailhead for this hike.
The entrance to the Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area
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A Virtual Hike of the St Joe National Forest
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