Clearwater National
Forest, Idaho
Lolo National Forest, Montana
Completed in 1962, U.S. Highway 12 is the Lewis and Clark Highway.
For those short on time, this is an excellent drive to follow the
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Those with more time and
wishing to experience the primitive Lolo Trail may be interested
in traveling The Lolo Motorway.
Today
The highway winds beside Lolo Creek and through the narrow Lochsa
River canyon between forest and river with m any campgrounds, picnic
areas, and hiking, fishing and whitewater opportunities al ong the
way. Interpretive signs share stories of those who traveled through
this steep canyon country long before modern roads existed.
Location
Highway 12 connects Lolo, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho. From Lolo,
MT, the two-lane paved road follows Lolo Creek in Montana west to
Lolo Pass, and then winds along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River
through Idaho. Lewis and Clark's journey on the actual Lolo Trail
parallels Highway 12 along the ridgeline to the north and above
the highway. At Orofino, the highway meets Lewis and Clark's route
once more as it follows the river to its confluence with the Snake
River near Lewiston.
Facilities
Montana: Three campgrounds and two picnic areas exist
along the way, as well as the privately owned Lolo Hot Springs RV
Park and Lodging. Howard Creek Historic Site, 18.5 miles west of
Lolo, MT, provides hiking access to the historic Lolo Trail. The
trail can be accessed from several points along Highway 12. Contact
the Missoula Ranger District or visit the Lolo
NF for more information.
In Idaho: there are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas
west of Lolo Pass in Idaho.
DeVoto
Memorial Cedar Grove
8 miles west of Lolo Pass |
Interpretive Signs, Hiking Trails,
Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQ |
No overnight camping, No water
Capacity: 2 full size busses |
| Powell Ranger
Station
Lochsa Lodge: Lodging, Meals, Store, Gasoline:
208-942-3410
12 Miles West of Lolo Pass |
Interpretation, Restrooms
Public phone, Potable Water
Campground nearby |
No overnight camping
Capacity: 2 full size busses
|
| Colgate
Licks
National Recreation Trail
25 Miles West of Lolo Pass |
Restrooms, Interpretive panels
National Recreation Trail |
No water or overnight camping
Capacity: 2 full size busses |
| Wilderness
Gateway Campground
60 miles West of Lolo Pass |
88 Camping Sites, Potable Water,
Restrooms, Hiking Trails, Outfitter Services |
A favorite for whitewater enthusiasts
during high water. |
Lochsa Historical
Ranger Station
1920's Ranger Station with self guided interpretive
tour
60 miles West of Lolo Pass |
Restrooms & Potable Water
Emergency service contact point |
No overnight camping
No cell phone coverage
Capacity: 1 full size bus |
Use Requirements or Restrictions:
 |
Van and Bus Tour Companies
driving the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway 12 route who also
wish to take “short-stops” at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center,
DeVoto Grove, Three Devils Picnic Area, any of the numerous
river access and campground sites or who wish to venture off
Highway 12 to the Lewis and Clark Grove will need a Special
Use Permit. |
|
Outfitters and Guides
who wish to guide longer trips on National Forest land and sites
will need a Forest Service Special
Use Permit AND a State of Idaho Outfitters and Guides license.
Visit www2.state.id.us/oglb/oglbhome.htm
for information on license requirements. The Clearwater National
Forest and the State of Idaho have already issued permits and
licenses to outfitters to conduct guided tours in this area. |
|
| Idaho
Lochsa Ranger District, Clearwater National
Forest
Route 1, Box 398
Kooskia, ID 83539
(208) 926-4274
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater
Powell Ranger District, Clearwater National
Forest
c/o Lolo, MT 59847
(208) 942-3113
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater
Montana
Missoula Ranger District, Lolo National Forest
Bldg 24-A, Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
Missoula Area Visitor Information Services: (406) 329-3814
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lolo
|
