 Clearwater
National Forest, Idaho
On September 11, 1805, 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 is an ancient Indian route that follows the
ridgetops parallel and to the north of Highway
12. This trail provided access to buffalo on the eastern plains
for those on the Columbia Plateau, and led people living east of
the mountains to salmon-rich waters in the west. During the Nez
Perce War of 1877, Chief Joseph and nearly 750 Nez Perce fled General
Howard's army along this trail to reach the Bitterroot Valley.
Today
The Lolo Motorway provides breath-taking views in every direction,
and allows modern explorers to escape the rush of daily life. One
can imagine a time with no paved roads, but quiet trails winding
their way through thick, lodgepole forests, open Ponderosa stands,
and lush, green meadows. Along the motorway, you can hear the soft
trickle of mountain streams, songs of mountain birds, and gaze in
wonder at this vast, wild landscape.
Location
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.
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.
Facilities
There are very limited and primitive facilities along the Lolo
Trail.
Use Requirements or Restrictions:
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Lolo Trail Corridor
Bicentennial Trip Permits: Due to the limited capacity
and cultural and historical significance of the Lolo Trail
a permit may be required for individuals and non-commercial
groups to travel the Lolo Motorway from Grizzly Bear Saddle
west to Weitas Butte Road 557. For more information please
visit the Lolo Trail Corridor Permit System Website (use:
www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/LewisClark/permit/permit_toc.htm) |
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Outfitters and Guides:
A National Forest Special
Use Permit and a State of Idaho Outfitters and Guides
license is needed by provide guided trips to paying customers
to explore the sites along the Lolo Trail in Idaho. The Clearwater
National Forest and the State of Idaho have issued permits
and licenses to outfitters to conduct guided tours in this
area. You can find a list of these service providers on the
Clearwater
National Forest website. |
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| 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
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