Big Tree Botanical Area
Eastern WashingtonBest May–Oct
A short interpretive walk past 900-year-old western larch trees in the Colville National Forest.
About This Trail
Two western larch trees, each roughly 900 years old, anchor this small botanical area near Lost Lake in the Okanogan Highlands. The forest around them was logged in 1963, but these two survived, standing as remnants of the original old-growth canopy. The interpretive loop from the Forest Road 33 trailhead takes about 20 minutes. The longer route from Lost Lake Campground stretches it to a pleasant 2.3-mile round trip through mixed forest.
The area comes alive in October when the western larch needles turn gold before dropping. That narrow window, usually mid- to late October, draws the most visitors and is genuinely worth timing a trip around. The rest of the summer season is quiet, with wildflowers along the connecting trails and easy walking on soft forest floor.
Lost Lake Campground, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, makes a good base camp. From there you can combine this trail with nearby Strawberry Mountain for a full day. The interpretive site closes December 1 through March 31. No pass required. The FR 33 trailhead has an accessible outhouse and avoids the switchbacks on the campground route.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We are camped at Lost Lake CG and today we hiked The Big Tree Trail starting at The big Tree TH for a total of 1.”
Last report: Oct 15, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- seasonal closure (Dec 1 - Mar 31)
- potential tree debris on trail
Getting There
No pass or fee required. Two trailhead options: Lost Lake Campground (longer route with switchbacks) or Forest Road 33 trailhead (shorter, flatter, with accessible outhouse).
From Highway 20, take Bonaparte Lake Road roughly 8 miles, then Forest Road 050 for 3 miles to Lost Lake Campground. For the FR 33 trailhead, continue one mile north past the campground. The FR 33 start is the easier option and skips the switchbacks.
No early start needed. This is a short walk suitable for any time of day. Time an October visit for larch color if you can.
Recent Reports
We are camped at Lost Lake CG and today we hiked The Big Tree Trail starting at The big Tree TH for a total of 1. 7 miles with little elevation gain or loss.
We combined these two pleasant hikes along with an ATV track and even some newer not-in-the-guidebook trails to make a nine mile wander from Lost Lake campground. The Strawberry Mtn trail poses few challenges and many flowers.
We combined these two pleasant hikes along with an ATV track and even some newer not-in-the-guidebook trails to make a nine mile wander from Lost Lake campground. The Strawberry Mtn trail poses few challenges and many flowers.
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