Motorists hoping for a drive on the Ross Creek Cedar Scenic area loop are out of luck in 2026.

Due to the extent of the damage to the road and repairs needed, Kootenai National Forest officials said the road will not be open to motorized vehicles this summer.

The area sustained massive damage in the December 2025 flooding. While crews are working to clear the Ross Creek Cedars Nature loop and road, near Troy, to the area to allow for better access, there is no definitive time frame for when it may re-open. 

“It was virtually turned upside down,” Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson said at a May 6 Lincoln County Commission meeting. “The actual fix is years away. It’s open for bicyclists and hikers, but the roads need fixed, everything we did last year, it’s tough to see $1 million worth of work washed away. There couldn’t be a worse scenario.”

Benson also expressed his thanks to the community for its continued patience and cooperation. 

While the road is closed to motorized vehicles, it remains open for public access via hiking or biking.

Visitors are asked to use caution and watch for hazardous trees, debris and uneven walking surfaces. Officials also said it is best to avoid edges of slumping roads or trails and abide all warning signs. 

Restrooms and garbage services will not be available while the road remains closed to vehicles, so please practice Leave No Trace principles and help keep the area clean.

Work will continue in an attempt to clear the area for public access throughout the summer, officials said in a recent press release.

Forest Service personnel are working to maintain the best public access to the area, but this will look different for the 2026 season compared to previous years, officials said.

The access road to the popular Cedars, National Forest System (NFS) Road 398, sustained significant damage and was structurally compromised in multiple areas by landslides, washouts, heavy water flow and large debris deposits. 

In particular, a large landslide occurred on the slope near the overlook viewpoint, eroding to the guardrail and creating very unstable road conditions. 

Due to these unsafe conditions, the road is closed to motorized vehicles until necessary repairs can occur. Forest Service personnel are assessing damage to the road and the Cedars nature area and developing the best plan forward, while requesting emergency funding. 

Within the Cedars, a significant amount of sediment was deposited throughout the entire area, where the trail used to exist, with as much as two feet of sediment in some spots. 

It is now hard, even impossible in some areas, to distinguish where the scenic trail existed. Some bridges were displaced but the boardwalk section is still intact. 

The ancient cedars themselves are still standing but many smaller trees are down all throughout the area. To see the extent of the damage, officials said people can view the online photo gallery at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/ross-creek-scenic-area.

For more information, call the Three Rivers Ranger District for more information at 406-295-4693 or see the road closure at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/alerts/ross-creek-cedars-road-closure-storm-damage-update.

    A view of the Ross Creek Cedars Nature Loop trail and bench after the December 2025 flood event occurred. (Photo courtesy USDA employee Dave Thorstenson)