Lolo

Understand

This area of Montana has experienced a quickly growing population. Being less than 10 mi (16 km) from Missoula, a major Montana city, Lolo bears the marks of more people added quickly. It's laid back but can feel crowded in the busy summer months. Missoula area is considered to be 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.

Getting there

By plane 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 US Route 93 travels north to south through the town. US Route 12 intersects the town on the western side.

Getting around

It is highly recommended to have a car, though you could walk or bike through town.

Do

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. (updated Jan 2024) 2 Lolo Pass, US-12 (45 miles southwest of Missoula). 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 About 40 minutes' drive southwest of Missoula, the Lolo Hot Springs offer 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 an hour from Missoula). Driving from Montana, the Jerry Johnson hot springs' trailhead will be the first. The trailhead is clearly marked--watch for a suspension bridge crossing the river to your left. 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 is a smaller hot spring about five miles further down the road from Montana. It is about a mile in on a narrow and hilly trail, which can

Eat

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 (updated Jan 2024)

Drink & nightlife

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 (updated Jan 2024) 2 Lumberjack Saloon (Jack Restaurant & Saloon), 2000 Graves Creek Road (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

1 Yellowrock Campground, 9955 Highway 12 West, ☏ +1 406 273-0141, [email protected]. May 1st to Sep 30th, located near Lolo Creek (updated Jan 2024)