LOLO
TRAIL NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
On September
11, 1805, Lewis and Clark with the Corps of Discovery began one of the most difficult and demanding
legs of their voyage to the Pacific Ocean-the 120-mile trek across the Bitterroot
Mountains on the Lolo Trail.
The Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark encompasses the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Nee-Me-Poo National Historic Trail, the Lolo Motorway and the Lolo Trail, an ancient Indian route that follows the ridge tops parallel and to the north of Highway 12. The Clearwater and Lolo National Forests manage the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark.
The Lolo
Trail in Idaho is located along Forest Roads 100 and 500. Forest Road 500,
known as The Lolo Motorway, is a primitive, winding road built by the Civilian
Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The safety of visitors is a major concern,
please view our slideshow
about safety on the motorway.
More information on the landmark is available on the Lewis
and Clark Interpretive Center website.
Access
to the Lolo Motorway in the Powell area is via FS Road 569 (Parachute Hill
Road), and in the Wilderness Gateway area via FS Road 107 (Saddle Camp Road).
Access to Forest Road 100 in the Kamiah area is at the junction of U.S.
Highway 12 and the Kamiah bridge over the Clearwater River.
For more specific information about the Lewis and Clark and Nez Perce National
Historic Trails, you can contact the Lochsa
Ranger District.
FOLLOWING LEWIS and CLARK
The Historic Lolo
Trail Corridor holds a wealth of treasures. It was the site of many historical
events, and carries the memories of hundreds of years of American Indian
use. Two National Historic Trails - the Nez Perce and the Lewis and Clark
- stretch the full length of the Lolo Trail, which is also a National Historic
Landmark. These designations require, and warrant, legal protection.
For more
details and information to help you plan your trip along the Historic Lolo
Trail Corridor please view the following links:
Which
Route Is for You? - A description of the two main route sections. One
is rocky and remote and the other is a state highway. Each route is beautiful
and offers unique experiences for travelers.
Lewis
and Clark Across the Lolo Trail (787 kb pdf) - for more history as well
as recreation information.
Lolo
Motorway Brochure (135k pdf) - contains road conditions and other
information.
GUIDED
TRIPS IN LEWIS & CLARK COUNTRY
Several outfitters and
vendors offer guided trips and other services along the Lolo Trail route
of Lewis and Clark across the Clearwater NF.
Authorized Outfitters.
INFORMATION
FOR TOUR OPERATORS
If you are interested
in providing services or tours on National Forest System lands, a permit
may be required. On the Clearwater NF, commercial operators have already
been selected for the Lolo Trail area. Opportunities for tours along U.S.
Highway 12 are still available. Info
for Commercial Operators
PLANTS
OF THE LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL
One of the responsibilities given to Lewis and Clark before their epic journey
west was to study the flora and fauna of the United States' newly acquired
land. They collected hundreds of plant specimens with approximately 170
being new to science. As a tribute to their efforts, several species are
named for them. Pictures and information can now be enjoyed on the Plants
of the Lewis and Clark Trail web site.
U.S.
HIGHWAY 12 - A MAGNIFICENT SCENIC EXPERIENCE
This two lane paved road follows part of Lewis and Clark's route along the
Wild and Scenic Lochsa River and generally parallels the rest of their route
across the Clearwater NF. The highway winds through a narrow canyon between
forest and river with campgrounds and picnic areas along the way. Whitewater
enthusiasts, anglers, swimmers, campers, and hikers take advantage of the
many recreation opportunities in the river canyon.
THE
LOLO TRAIL AND LOLO MOTORWAY
Lewis and Clark followed an ancient travel route of the Nez Perce Indians
- the Lolo Trail - on their trip across the Clearwater. Today the Lolo Trail
is a National Historic Landmark and the routes of Lewis and Clark and the
Nez Perce are designated as National Historic Trails. Read Lewis
and Clark Across the Lolo Trail for more history as well as recreation
information. A low standard road, called the Lolo Motorway generally parallels
these trails along the high ridges that form the divide between the Lochsa
and North Fork Clearwater Rivers. Despite the name "Motorway,"
this road is very rough, narrow and travels through remote country.
The
Lolo Motorway is a difficult trip that demands a high degree of self sufficiency
and the right vehicle. Before embarking on a trip along this route, we suggest
your review our Lolo Motorway Brochure
(135k pdf) so that you will be prepared for the trip. Also a map of the
trail is available from Clearwater Forest offices. The map is available
for viewing here in Adobe pdf format. One with
contours (4MB pdf) and one without contours
(1.3MB pdf).
A wealth of information on Lewis and Clark is also available on the web and a few of these web sites can be reached from our Links page.
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