Lolo
Lolo is in western Montana. About 4,400 people live there as of 2020. It is home to Travelers' Rest State Park, a site where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805 and again in 1806.
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 naptniΕ‘aqs, 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
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.
Get 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.
- π Traveler's Rest State Park, 6717 Highway 12 W., β +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.
Eat
- π Lolo Creek Steak House, 6600 Hwy 12, β +1 406 273-2622. Dinner only. No reservations taken, open pit wood-fired grill in the dining room, deck
Drink
- π Lolo Creek Distillery, 6610 Hwy 12, β +1 406 926-2803. Hand-crafted small batch spirits, buy a bottle or have a sip, fire pit and outdoor patio
Sleep
- π Yellowrock Campground, 9955 Highway 12 West, β +1 406 273-0141, yellowrockcampground@gmail.com. May 1st to Sep 30th, located near Lolo Creek