Lolo National Forest
Lolo National Forest spans southwestern Montana and northern Idaho, offering dramatic mountain scenery, multiple trail corridors, and river valleys. From the trail-rich corridors near Missoula to high-alpine zones and remote backcountry, it serves as a gateway for hiking, fishing, boat trips, and winter recreation.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northern Rockies |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Missoula County |
| District | Lolo Ranger District |
| City | Missoula |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 46.233 |
| Longitude | -114.083 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMELolo National Forest covers more than 4,900 square kilometers across southwestern Montana and northern Idaho, framing the northern edge of the Continental Divide. It tips toward the south with a series of interconnected valleys and river corridors — including the Flathead, Clark Fork, and Bitterroot — that support fishing, whitewater paddling, and gateway access to forested campgrounds. Heading east and north, the landscape rises dramatically into high-alpine terrain and cirque basins, with peaks approaching 4,000 meters and glaciers tucked into remote cirques. The forest is a patchwork of conifer-dapped slopes, meadow complexes, and rocky ridges, serving as critical habitat for species like gray wolf and mountain goat. Around Missoula, you'll find well-established trail systems and trailheads for day hikes, mountain biking, and scenic overlooks; venture farther and you'll encounter longer loop routes, backcountry campsites, and cross-country ski zones. The name 'Lolo' echoes through historic passes and tribal histories, but today’s visitors come for the visual drama, diverse outdoor opportunities, and proximity to urban resources.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM