Lolo Pass

When Lewis and Clark were making their push from their winter quarters in Oregon back to the United States, Native Americans in what is now north-central Idaho told the explorers the route they needed to follow over Lolo Pass would still be clogged by snow well into the spring. Lewis and Clark pressed on anyway, only to return after seeing indeed how deep the snow was. Today, this pass at about a mile above sea level, still sees those deep snows – by late winter U.S. 12 over the Montana-Idaho border is usually tunneled through deep drifts. A beautiful national forest visitors center now greets visitors; it’s staffed with helpful rangers, has a gift shop and exhibits, and offers by-donation coffee and cocoa.

Lolo Pass is a high-elevation mountain pass in the Bitterroot Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. They pass is part of the famous Nez Perce Trail (famous for having been used by Lewis and Clark and the NEz Perce tribe). These days, travelers can take US Highway 12 to Visitors Center to begin their exploration of the park.

The Visitors Center has free parking for visitors and it's the departure point for many hiking and cross-country skiing trails in the area. They also have a warming hut where you can enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate of coffee besides a cozy fire. It's lovely on cool winter days! The area is especially good for trout fishing and here are several mountain lakes and streams where you can catch your fill while taking in the amazing views of the mountains and the clear blue sky.