Trails for Creston Valley Society (TCVS) is proud to share the story of Ka Papa Cedars Trail, a 1.7 km loop traversing ancient cedar giants about 35 km west of Creston, toward Kootenay Pass. The trail’s name—Ka Papa—means “grandfather” in the Ktunaxa language, a fitting tribute to the majestic old-growth cedars that inspire awe in every hiker.

This interpretive trail was the vision of Ralph Moore, a devoted naturalist and one of TCVS’s founding members. A year before his passing in 2017, Ralph helped lead the application to FLNRO and carried the design in his head—envisioning a parking turnaround at the highway, a trail descending the slope, and a bridge spanning Summit Creek. TCVS was honored to turn his dream into reality.

In the fall of 2017, a planner from Nelson walked the site with our crew. Together, they traversed boggy terrain, crossed moss-covered creek beds, and finally stood in the ancient cedars—just as Ralph had imagined. That day confirmed the trail’s extraordinary potential as both a natural and cultural journey.

With generous support from J.H. Huscroft Ltd., Dave Jackson Construction, and volunteer crews, the trail was professionally built: stairs, creek crossings, a new parking lot, a kiosk with an outhouse, and a suspension bridge, with a roof for protection from heavy snow fall, were all completed with tremendous care and community effort.

Thanks to a Trail Enhancement Grant from Columbia Basin Trust, TCVS has added nine interpretive signs along the route, offering stories about the forest, Ktunaxa language, and ecology—turning the trail into a living classroom that honors local heritage and ecosystem knowledge.

The Ka Papa Cedars Trail today stands as a testament to community stewardship, ancestral wisdom, and Ralph Moore’s indelible legacy. While the trail bears his vision, a dedicated memorial grove—Ralph’s Grove—has been added in his honor, respecting his family’s wishes. This trail continues to remind us that protecting forests is as much about honoring people as trees.