by Sophia Mattice-Aldous
At the risk of sounding like a tree-hugging hippie (no offense to those who are, I am just not a fan of patchouli), old-growth trees deserve appreciation. “Our elders” as my mom refers to them. Browns Lake is a good place to visit them. An easy, one-mile hike takes you to a stand of cedars that were around before Prohibition was enacted, probably even before Washington was a territory. When mother and I reached them, we were privileged and lucky to take our time admiring them – finding the occasional stingingly sweet thimbleberry, listening to chipmunks scold us from the branches above, and inducting my latest foster kitten into the ranks of adventure cats (get ’em started young).
Granted, excursions like these are more challenging to plan when wildfire smoke clogs the region. With one more month of summer to go, we’re hardly in the clear when it comes to another blaze or several happening. All of that to say, if you find yourself craving a dose of nature with “our elders” and you have an opportunity to carpe some diem on the trail, you might want to check out or revisit these outdoor old folks’ homes.
Browns Lake
You might want a printed copy of the directions before you go, as cell service is spotty and hiking apps may not load efficiently or at all. From Newport, follow Hwy. 20 north for 15 miles to Usk. Cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River on the east edge of town and follow Kings Lake Road for four miles to the junction of Forest Road 5030000 (Browns Lake). Travel north on 5030000 for four miles to the campground entrance. The lake is open to swimming and non-motorized watercraft.
Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars
Ancient is indeed the right word to describe these trees, as some of them are thousands of years old. The hike is two-and-a-half miles roundtrip and fairly easy. Alas, a fire in 1926 destroyed much of the original grove, but it’s still worth the trek. Plus, there are waterfalls, meadows, and a great foliage color show in the fall. You’d be hard-pressed not to get a serotonin boost with this one. The grove is located near the Washington-Idaho border and is accessible via gravel forest roads from either state. The route from the Idaho side is suitable for all vehicles, but the Washington side is known to have some bumpy stretches better suited for vehicles with high clearance. It’s best to check with Forest Service staff before you head out.
Big Tree Botanical Area Interpretive Site 
Of course, cedars aren’t the only veterans in the forest. The Big Tree Trail in the Tonasket Ranger District boasts two 900-year-old Western Larch trees with benches to take in the surrounding tree species. Interpretive signs are along the trail.
From Tonasket, take Highway 20 east for 24 miles to Ferry County Road #4953 (Bonaparte Recreation Area). Go five-and-a-half miles where it turns into Forest Service Road #32. Continue three miles to the junction with Forest Service Road #33. Drive #33 for five miles to the Botanical Area Interpretive Site parking area on the right. Heads up: vehicles are not permitted on Forest Service Road #33 when the gate is locked starting Nov. 30.
Sophia Mattice-Aldous is not a doctor, dietician, extreme sports enthusiast, or a mini Sasquatch, though some of her exes may disagree with that last one. She just enjoys the opportunity to be outside and hike. If you have any recommendations where she should go next, email [email protected].
