A popular six-foot natural bridge at Ross Creek Cedars has been sawed off at both ends and removed. The bridge was made from braided cedar roots and accessed a small island in the creek.   

Recreation Manager for the Three Rivers Ranger District Dave Thorstenson said the bridge was taken some time after Halloween. He said this kind of vandalism is not uncommon from his experience. “This kind of stuff happens all the time,” Thorstenson said.

The Ross Creek Cedars recreation area is home 1,000-year old cedars and encompasses about 100 acres. Annually, thousands of visitors visit the no-fee site, which is part of the 2.2 million-acre Kootenai National Forest.

Because of its easy access and short 0.9-mile loop trail the area is an attractive hike located about 30 miles south of Troy. Thorstenson said, “One thing neat about the cedars is you can just explore. It’s pretty popular with kids.”

Removing the bridge was a violation of several Forest Service regulations.

The Forest Service monitors the recreation site during peak tourism times several times weekly. Access to the area is allowed 24 hours a day, but ideas have been floated about limiting access or charging a fee to offset costs for vandalism.

A donation tube was installed at Ross Creek in June 2014 and any money collected will be used for upkeep and improvements.

Forest Service Road #398 accesses Ross Creek Cedars and typically closes Dec. 2 to accommodate cross-country skiers. However, currently the road is closed while logging operations are conducted in the area until Jan. 6 and will be opened shortly thereafter.

The Cougar Ridge cross-country trail was groomed on Jan. 6 and is open for use.

Questions about ski access can be directed to Three Rivers Ranger District at 295-4693.