Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area is a great little cedar grove up in the mountains east of Clarkia, ID. From Clarkia, it is roughly 10 miles of gravel road on NF321 and another 2 miles on NF335 to get to the grove. The narrow road is probably fine for most vehicles, altho the grade does a get a little steep in places and there are a few switchbacks to navigate. There are some potholes on the final couple mile stretch to the grove, but careful attention will keep you from damaging your car. Watch for free ranging cattle on the way up, as I did encounter a few about mid-way up the mountain, and there is the potential for logging trucks to be on the roadway as well.

At the parking area, you will find that there are quite a few places to sit and relax after your drive. There are five tables in total, altho three of them are in relatively close proximity to one another. The two most isolated ones have a fire pit and a barbecue available for use. There is a vault toilet for your bathroom needs. I did not see any signage indicating whether camping is or is not permitted in this area (and further research failed to provide any illumination on the matter), but there was room for a tent or two at each little spot. I also spotted a couple places that would be great for camping on the way to the grove if you do not mind a little dispersed camping.

There are two loops within the grove. For the big loop, there are a few benches that one can sit at and take a rest after some of the steeper climbs. Massive cedar trees can be visible all around, and the trail comes close to the eastern creek and passes over the western creek, offering a bit of refreshment for pets along the way. I cannot be sure that the creeks flow year round, but they have been flowing both times that I have been up there. There are signs along the nature trail that are useful for educating the hiker on what they are looking at and how the unique ecosystem works.

Overall, I love going to this particular cedar grove and would highly recommend it for others who wish to see some fairly impressive trees. Not only is it fairly accessible, it has some great educational value, and the temperature has always been more moderate in the grove than down in the valleys. While not a difficult hike, if you are a little out of shape, it may prove a little challenging on the big loop in a couple spots. More outdoor recreation is available if you drop off the summit to the east and head towards the St. Joe River Road, such as camping, fishing, and more hiking, with Hobo Historical Trail being just abut 3 miles east of the grove.
For official information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ipnf/recarea/?recid=6921

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