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Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass Rest Area and Visitor Center
Region: Clearwater Region in North Central Idaho
County: Idaho
Location: 175 miles East of Lewiston on Hwy 12 or 100 miles East of Kooskia or 45 miles West of Missoula, MT

This is the eastern hub of the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway – All American Road. This facility hosts interpretive displays describing the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the Bitterroot Mountains, the Nez Perce War of 1877, and geologic features of the area. There are 24-hour restrooms, an interpretive walking path and nearby access to the Lolo Trail. A short drive to Packer Meadows allows visitors to picture the expedition as they waded through this lush, deep grass two hundred years ago. Don't miss the Camas bloom in late June!

On September 13th, 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition, following the Lolo Trail, spilled out of the thick woods and came upon a series of lush meadows near what is now Lolo Pass. Clark writes, they "proceeded down this creek about 2 miles to where the mountains Closed on either Side crossing the Creek Several times & Encamped." This spot is now known as Glade Creek Camp. On their return trip on June 28th, 1806, the expedition again crossed these meadows, but this time did not stop to camp. They were anxious to proceed down Lolo Creek to Lolo Hot Springs and enjoy the hot baths they had no time for in 1805.

Community Links:

• Lewis Clark Historical Trail
• Clearwater National Forest
• Nez Perce National Forest

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