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Ancient Forest Loop

Penny, British Columbia

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

1.69 miles

Elevation Gain

551 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Kaila Walton

The Ancient Forest Loop explores 800-2,000-year-old Cedar trees in a unique, inland wet-temperate rain forest. You'll encounter a cascading 30m (98ft) waterfall.

The Ancient Forest Recreational Park 1 hour east of Prince George BC is a one of a kind forest and soon to be a BC Provincial Park. It is home to a unique inland wet-temperate rain forest. The Ancient Forest is approximately 800km (497miles) away from the Pacific Ocean. Some of the trees in the park are 800-2000 years old.

The best part about the park is how much it feels like being on the west coast, such as Vancouver Island when it is so very far from an ocean. It is the only known inland wet-temperate rain forest in the world. There are huge cedars in the park, all kinds of moss, skunk cabbage, wild flowers, and vibrant green ferns. Interpretive signs are along the trail explaining why the forest is the way it is, wild life in the area, as well as the plant life. Almost all of the trail in the Ancient forest has a wooden boardwalk and a section of it is wheelchair accessible. There are three huge trees that are must sees along the trail, one is called Tree Beard (named after its uncanny resemblance to the character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings), the other is Big Cedar, which is 16 feet wide and the last one is Radies Tree. Another great detour is the beautiful 30m (98ft) waterfall named Tree Beard Falls that cascades down a rock face. Lastly, along the trail there is a break in the trees where you can see the Canadian Rockies, and Mount Sir Alexander off in the distance.

To get to the park head east out of Prince George BC on the Yellowhead Highway for about one hour. There will be a sign on the right hand of the road that says Ancient Forest 1km ahead. You will see the road to turn right on, it is hard to miss. The parking lot has lots of space.

GPS Location of the turn off: 53.764182, -121.217855

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Ancient Forest Loop Reviews

Not natural all boardwalk

The Ancient forest is amazing to say the least, we do this hike at least once a year and we have done it both in summer and winter. The forest and growth in there it’s like nothing else in the area. The waterfalls at the end are just the cherry on top. This is a wonderfully maintained hike with boardwalks and stairs. Bathrooms and picnic area at the trail head as well!

Good for short walks but for those wanting more then probably this is not for you. I did see a trail outside of the universal boardwalk. Kinda interesting but it is like a 7.5 hour walk.

This forest will soon be protected and turned into a BC Provincial Park which is awesome. But the coolest part about it is that its an inland temperate rainforest and the only known one in the world. Such a cool half day adventure.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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