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Lolo National Forest Guide

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Lolo National Forest

Established in September of 1906, Lolo National Forest covers 2 million acres of land and contains four wilderness areas. Lolo National Forest offers visitors camping, fishing, boating, biking, and over 700 hiking trails. Prefer cold weather? No problem, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of winter activities as well. Bundle up for some skiing, ice fishing, or snowmobiling. Whatever you love to do outdoors, you’ll find it at Lolo National Forest.

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Hiking Trails

Lolo National Forest Hiking Trails

Historic Lolo Trail at Howard Creek

This point-to-point trail showcases stunning wildflowers. This trail is a footpath forged by generations of Native Americans who used the pathway as they traveled to their traditional hunting, gathering, and trading locations. The Historic Lolo trail was also used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they explored the western portion of the United States. Today, visitors will travel a path that looks much as it did over 200 years ago.

Length: 14.2 miles

Intensity: Intermediate
Lolo Peak Trail #1311

This trail leads visitors on a challenging hike to Carlton Ridge and then down again to Carlton Lake. At the lake, adventurous hikers may choose to continue and climb to the top of Lolo Peak, which sits at an elevation of 9,906 feet. Those who reach the summit of Lolo Peak experience breathtaking views of the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys.

Length: 11.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Maclay Flat Nature Trail

Take a leisurely hike along the Bitterroot River, enjoying the sounds of birdsongs over the gently flowing water. The river bottom is full of pines and cottonwoods that provide a home to hundreds of species of birds, making it the perfect stroll for bird-watching. The trail itself is wide, level, and dotted with benches for those who want to sit and soak up the day beside the river.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy
Bear Creek Trail #285

Burned in the Chippy Creek Wildfire of 2007, the Bear Creek Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the gradual rebuilding of natural forest habitats. The narrow and rocky trail features abundant opportunities for viewing wildlife along Bear Creek.

Length: 8.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Iron Mtn. Trail #242/Clark Fork Valley Overlook

This trail was used as a wagon road to transport silver ore from the Iron Mountain Mine to the river. In 1891 the mining companies abandoned the wagon road when a local railroad line began operating. It was more efficient and cost-effective to move the ore via train than the wagon road. Today, the trail offers a challenging hike for visitors and stunning views of the Clark River Valley below.

Length: 7 miles one-way

Intensity: Moderate
Babcock Mountain Trail #10

Visitors to the Babcock Mountain Trail #10 will take a wandering hike through classic prairie grasses before passing alongside towering ponderosa pines. In spring, riotous colors of blooming wildflowers dot the forest floor, and scenic overlooks offer stunning views of the Rock Creek Valley below.

Length: 2.5 miles (one way)

Intensity: Moderate to Difficult

Things to Do

Activities in Lolo National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Lolo National Forest is home to a wide array of plant and animal life. Spring wildflowers blanket riverside forests while towering ponderosa pines grow thickly on the hillsides. The forest is also home to many animals, including bighorn sheep, which you can view from one of the bighorn overlooks.
Fishing

With several lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, Lolo National Forest is the perfect place to drop a line in the water and wait for a nibble. Whether you prefer to fish from a boat on a lake or set up beside a bubbling creek, you’re sure to find a comfortable spot to reel in your dinner. For those who prefer to fish in the colder months, Lolo National Forest also offers ice fishing.
Geocaching

Geocaching is available in Lolo National Forest, but caches aren't allowed within the boundaries of designated wilderness areas. Geocaches must be non-commercial and cannot disturb any natural landscape. Look for caches under or behind naturally existing features like trees and rocks.
Nature and Bird Watching

The Lolo Creek Campground and Picnic Area is a perfect place to spot migratory songbirds. Stop by for a picnic and keep your binoculars handy to spot new and colorful feathered friends flying through the surrounding trees. White-tailed deer and migratory birds are common around the rivers and lakes within the forest, and bighorn sheep graze along the Babcock Mountain Trail.
Stargazing

Lolo National Forest is open to visitors 24 hours a day, so you are free to lean back and watch the stars move across the dark Montana sky. Removed from big-city light pollution, find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of the vast night sky. If the conditions are just right, you might even be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights or see the Milky Way spread out before you.

How to Get There

How to get to Lolo National Forest

Address: Lolo National Forest Supervisor's Office, Fort Missoula Building 24, Missoula, MT 59804

Fee: Entry fee $0

With 2 million acres of scenery, wildlife, and nature to explore, an RV is the perfect way to travel and experience everything Lolo National Forest has to offer. From hiking and biking to fishing and historical demonstrations, you’re sure to find something to spark your wandering spirit at Lolo National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Lolo National Forest

How many hiking trails does Lolo National Forest have?

Lolo National Forest has over 700 hiking trails. The forest has trails for every level of hiker, from easy strolls to advanced hikes for experienced hikers.

Is there a fee to get into Lolo National Forest?

No, there is no fee to get into Lolo National Forest. There may be fees or permits required to use certain areas of the forest, or for certain activities within the park, however.

What is the best time to visit Lolo National Forest?

The best time to visit Lolo National Forest is between June and August. The summer season at the forest is short, but visitors can get outdoors and hike, paddle, fish, and enjoy the warm weather. The park is also more accessible in summer, when all of the roads are open and the amenities are available.

What type of wildlife lives in Lolo National Forest?

Wildlife living in Lolo National Forest includes grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and elk. There are also thirty different varieties of ducks, plus eagles, swans, and a variety of other birds that live in the forest.

What is the closest town to Lolo National Forest?

Huson, Montana is one of the closest towns to the Lolo National Forest. Huson is a small town, and the closest town with a grocery store and a few more amenities is St. Ignatius.

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Lolo National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Lolo National Forest

Lolo National Forest Hiking Trails

Historic Lolo Trail at Howard Creek

Lolo Peak Trail #1311

Maclay Flat Nature Trail

Bear Creek Trail #285

Iron Mtn. Trail #242/Clark Fork Valley Overlook

Babcock Mountain Trail #10

Activities in Lolo National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Fishing

Geocaching

Nature and Bird Watching

Stargazing

How to get to Lolo National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions About Lolo National Forest

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