Hiking the Lolo Trail

View into the seemingly endless mountains and sky from the top of Bald Mountain

Walk in the last true remaining footsteps of Lewis & Clark on the Lolo Trail……
where little has changed since the expedition crossed this ancient trail. Experience why Lewis & Clark described this area as the most challenging yet majestic portion of their journey. We'll visit sites along the trail where they endured great hardship like Wendover Ridge and Snowbank Camp or the "inexpressible joy" on Spirit Revival Ridge. The Lolo Trail is a high mountainous ridgeline trail that allows you to see where the expedition came from and brings to light the decisions they faced. You will have the opportunity to explore Lewis Clark camps rarely visited in the last 200 years. Our trips include but not limited to the following Lewis & Clark camps and other historical sites; Glade Creek, 13-Mile, Wendover Ridge, Snowbank, Bears Oil & Roots, Indian Post Office, Lonesome Cove, Sinque Hole, Indian Grave, Smoking Place, Greensward Camp, Dry Camp, Spirit Revival Ridge. The more days you plan on the trail the more sites you can visit! We offer hiking, biking and walking tours ranging from 1-day to 5-day adventures. Read about our annual Commemorative Trek Sept. 15-19, van supported hiking trip with guest speakers and special L&C menu. Add a dramatic twist to any Lolo Trail trip with Ritchie Doyle, a knowledgeable and humorous William Clark character actor and interpretor.

Our Missouri River and Lolo Trail combination trips are perfect for those who seek the services of guides in the remote off-road areas of the L&C trail, but also desire the freedom of self exploration along the sections that are easily accessible by Montana's wide open roads & highways.

Ritchie Doyle

A brief history of the Lolo Trail
The Lolo Trail was the northern route across the rugged Bitterroot Mountains used for centuries before Lewis & Clark by Native Americans of the West. The Nez Perce traveled east to the great plains and the buffalo. The Salish used the trail to reach the Lochsa river and fish for salmon.

After Lewis & Clark found the headwaters of the Missouri and crossed the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass they scouted the Salmon River as a possible route to the Pacific. Upon realizing that route was not viable they followed the Bitterroot River towards the Missoula Valley. With their Shoshone guide, Old Toby they chose the Lolo Creek drainage to Lolo Pass. This is where our trips begin. All Lolo Trail trips are based on or near the old Forest Service Road 500 or "The Motorway". The motorway is a rugged jeep trail that follows the ancient trail. Built by the forest service and CCC crews from 1930-1935, not much has changed since then. The Forest Service, outfitters and private citizens work to clear the road each summer from downed trees and snowmelt that can easily stay into July.

What to expect on the Lolo Trail
The history of this ancient route, it's primitive state, and vast beauty are what make the Lolo Trail such an incredible place and authentic Lewis & Clark experience. Unlike other trails built for recreational purposes to reach mountain tops or alpine lakes, the Lolo Trail evolved out of function. Gary Moulton describes the Lolo Trail as a "route of opportunity" . From Lolo Pass to the Wieppe Prairie the trail follows a general direction of east--west from meadow to meadow, watering hole to watering hole for human and livestock survival. Our goal is to visit the most historically significant and scenic points. This involves a fair amount of driving and walking or hiking. Remember, the best places are often the most difficult to reach. Fortunately, the best sites are located near the Motorway, which means any trip can be tailored to capabilities and desires. All hikes are optional and some can be extended or condensed.

Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures History on the Lolo Trail
Wayne Fairchild, founder of Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures, started exploring this area during the early 1980's while working at the Lochsa Lodge and attending the University of Montana School of Forestry. Upon graduating he started LCTA and ran biking and hiking trips on the Lolo Trail. Through his extensive knowledge of the area and its history you will find rarely visited sites, learn the historical significance, and participate in thought provoking dialogue. We invite you to explore the Lolo Trail with us!

The Early Years on the Lolo Trail

L&C campsites rarely visited in the last 200 years. Sinque Hole camp

2008 Schedule
Lolo Trail trips depart Thursdays beginning in Mid-July - August, snow pack usually inhibits travel until July
One Day trips can be planned any day with at least 4 people.

September 15-19 Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trek Itinerary
Dates coincide with Monday Missouri River Canoe trip departures.

Trip provisions:
Guided hiking, walking or van touring and camping with historical interpretations

Camping equipment-2-person Eureka tents, deluxe self-inflating sleeping pads, camp chair and coffee mug

Transportation on the Lolo Trail

All trips depart from the Lochsa Lodge, located 50 miles west of Missoula, MT on Hwy 12. Phone 208-942-3405

All meals starting with day-1 lunch and ending with day-3 lunch. Gourmet camp cuisine.

See recommended gear list, reading & lodging for pre-trip preparations

Pre-trip meetings & Pick-ups:
Lolo Trail pre-trip meetings vary based on group. If you are coming from Missouri River Canoe trip, we ask you arrange to stop by our Missoula headquarters before heading to Lochsa Lodge. We pick up at the Lochsa Lodge 9 am Mountain Time (Lochsa Lodge is Pacific Time) morning of the trip.
Call us 72-48 hours prior to departure to confirm pre-trip meeting time and location.

Getting there & away:
Flying: Missoula Airport (Northwest, Delta, United, Alaskan Airline Service) Please inquire/arrange shuttle transportation to Lochsa Lodge if needed, limited space available Missouri River Combo Time-saver option is to fly into Great Falls and out of Missoula, renting a car in Great Falls and drop off in Missoula. Costs a bit more, ask your local travel agent for more info. Car Rentals in Missoula--ask about drop off options for Great Falls Dollar Rental 406-542-2311, Hertz 406-549-9511, National 406-543-3131, Budget 406-543-7001

Driving the Lewis & Clark Trail:
East to West, Northern route Hwy 87/200 through Great Falls. Southern route I-90 to Three Forks, Hwy 287 to Helena and Hwy 12,I-90 to Missoula.

West to East on Hwy 12 from Lewiston, ID to Powell- Lochsa Lodge …... maps Continue east and join a Missouri River Canoe Trip!

We recommend traveling east to west. Beginning with a Missouri River Canoe trip make your way west to Missoula and join a 1, 2, or 3 Day trip on the Lolo Trail. The Missouri River and Lolo Trail are the most pristine and diverse areas of the Lewis & Clark Trail, located only 4 hours apart.

Recommended Lodging:

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