Spanning 2.2 million acres of western Montana wilderness, Lolo National Forest offers an expansive landscape shaped by the Northern Rockies and bordered by Idaho to the west. Established in 1906, this forest sits west of the Continental Divide and encompasses four designated wilderness areas: the Scapegoat, Selway-Bitterroot, Welcome Creek, and Rattlesnake Wildernesses—the latter two found exclusively within Lolo’s boundaries.
Missoula serves as the primary gateway to the forest, making day trips and extended backcountry adventures equally accessible. Hikers will find trails winding through old-growth cedar groves, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain, with the Rattlesnake Wilderness offering particularly popular routes just minutes from downtown Missoula.
The forest maintains 26 campgrounds ranging from developed sites to remote retreats. West Fork Butte Lookout provides a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower, while Trout Creek and Cascade Campgrounds offer more traditional camping with easy access to fishing streams. Sloway Campground and Savenac East Cottage round out the options for those seeking varied accommodations.
Peak season runs from late June through September, when trails are clear of snow and campgrounds operate at full capacity. Early fall brings golden larch displays and fewer crowds. Winter transforms the forest into a quiet snowscape, though many roads and facilities close seasonally.
Access points are well-maintained along Highway 12 and Interstate 90, with ranger stations in Missoula providing current trail conditions and permits for wilderness travel.
Explore Nearby
- Cook Forest State Park — State Park in Pennsylvania
- St. Joe State Park — State Park in Missouri
- Crystal Lake Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Idaho
- Henry’s Lake Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Idaho
- Pend Oreille Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Idaho
