Settlers Grove — Saturday, Jul. 9, 2011

I know this hike is in Idaho, but living in Spokane, it's closer for some of us than many other hikes on here. The last leg of the road to Settler's Grove had a big sign warning "Flood Damage - Road Closed." So I chose to park and walk the 5 miles in to the trailhead. Only the first mile of this road is damaged, and it apparently is not too bad that a car can't make it - one passed me about four miles in. (I was not too happy about this, but they missed the butterflies and beautiful day and coyote serenade that I was able to experience by walking this road.) I would not recommend anyone try this road without contacting the Idaho Forest Service though. There is a section where part of the gravel road has washed down into the creek, and it's just the width of a car I guess but should not be driven on to minimize impact and the possibility of getting stuck. After reaching the trailhead I walked the half-mile or so in to the main cedar grove, where there are three benches set up in a circle in the trees. I enjoyed lunch here and almost fell asleep listening to the creek and enjoying the shady, peaceful atmosphere. I did not do the rest of the actual hike (listed in Best Hikes with Dogs: Inland Northwest) since I was due home to watch a football game. I hiked the 5.5 miles back out and headed home. I would still recommend this hike to those who are near enough. Just contact the Forest Service first to check road conditions. The West fork of Eagle Creek that flows through here is a nice stream for kids and dogs. Not too fast or deep in the grove. This trail is not as accessible as the previous review stated - part of it is torn up and I'm not sure a wheelchair could maneuver it, but it was otherwise super easy (for the 1/2 mile that I did). If you don't mind hiking on a (mostly) desolate country road, then park at the road closed sign and just hike in!