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Lolo is a community of about 4,400 people in northwestern Montana, about 10 mi (16 km) from Missoula. It is at the eastern end of the Lolo Trail, a route through a challenging section of the Rockies used by the Nez Perce people and by Lewis and Clark, who camped here in 1805 and again in 1806. Today this route leads travellers to hot springs and untamed wilderness.
Understand
[edit | edit source]The area around the major city (for Montana) of Missoula is growing fast, and Lolo bears the marks of more people added quickly. It's laid back but can feel crowded in the busy summer months. The Missoula area is more liberal than the rest of the state.
The town is at the eastern end of the Lolo Trail. This historic trail, connected the Bitterroot Valley in Montana and the Weippe Prairie in Idaho. Known as naptnišaqs, or "Nez Perce Trail" in Salish, was used by Nez Perce people in the 18th century, and by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, guided by Old Toby of the Shoshone, on their westward snowbound journey in September 1805. The Lolo Trail is a National Historic Landmark, designated for its importance to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and its role in the 1877 Nez Perce War.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By plane
[edit | edit source]Missoula Montana Airport (MSO IATA) in Missoula receives flights from Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle/Tacoma, Washington; Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona; and other cities.
By car
[edit | edit source]U.S. Route 93 (US-93) travels through the town, north from Hamilton and south from Missoula.
U.S. Route 12 (US-12) intersects the town on the western side, over Lolo Pass from North Central Idaho.
Get around
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It is highly recommended to have a car, though you could walk or bike through town.
See and do
[edit | edit source]Get outside and enjoy hiking, rafting, "tubing", rock climbing, skiing, fishing, or golfing. This area is known for its active lifestyle.
- 1 Traveler's Rest State Park, 6717 Highway 12 W, ☏ +1 406-273-4253. A 51-acre (21-ha) park. Significant archeological findings made in 2002, including latrine sites with traces of mercury and fire hearths, make this the only site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail that has yielded physical proof of the explorers' presence. This spot is largely unchanged from the days of Lewis and Clark. From this location, Lewis and Clark split up to explore Montana during their return trip, not reuniting until they reached Sanish, North Dakota.
- 2 Lolo Pass, US-12 (35 miles southwest). Good Nordic Ski trails groomed Saturday/Sunday early mornings by the Clearwater National Forest contractor, which offer excellent classic and skating tracks. There's also a warming hut and a staffed lodge at the pass.
Hot springs
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Along US-12 towards Lolo Pass and into Idaho are a series of geothermal springs.
- 3 Lolo Hot Springs, 38500 U.S. 12 (25 miles southwest). Offers two pools fed by geothermal springs: an outdoor swimming pool and a hotter (110-116 °F) indoor soaking pool. The springs are clothing-optional after 9PM on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
More adventurous soakers may prefer to hike out to some natural hot springs just across the Idaho border (about 50 minutes from Lolo).
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs (just across Idaho border, watch for trailhead after a suspension bridge crossing the river). The springs themselves are less than a mile hike in, and are large enough to accommodate a couple of dozen people. These springs are also clothing optional. If the springs are packed, as they often are, try hiking a quarter-mile further down the trail to two smaller hot springs.
- Weir Hot Spring (5 miles into Idaho). A smaller hot spring about a mile in on a narrow and hilly trail, which can be treacherously icy in the winter and spring. Although the drive is longer and the hike harder, visitors to Weir are compensated by smaller crowds than at Jerry Johnson. In addition, the Forest Service allows camping at Weir, unlike at Jerry Johnson.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Lolo Creek Steak House, 6600 Hwy 12, ☏ +1 406 273-2622. Dinner only. No reservations taken, open pit wood-fired grill in the dining room, deck
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Lolo Creek Distillery, 6610 Hwy 12, ☏ +1 406 926-2803. Hand-crafted small batch spirits, buy a bottle or have a sip, fire pit and outdoor patio
- 2 Lumberjack Saloon (Jack Restaurant & Saloon), 2000 Graves Creek Rd (follow Hwy 12 West towards Idaho, about 16 miles, turn right on Graves Creek Rd about 1.3 miles), ☏ +1 406-273-6264. Great saloon in Lolo National Forest. $10.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Yellowrock Campground, 9955 Highway 12 West, ☏ +1 406 273-0141, yellowrockcampground@gmail.com. On Lolo Creek. May 1st to Sep 30th.
Go next
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| Routes through Lolo |
| Kalispell ← Ravalli ← | N  S | → Hamilton → Salmon |
| Lewiston ← Orofino ← | W  E | → Missoula → Helena |