Lolo National Forest in Montana

Whitefish Montana
> Nature
> Lolo National Forest

Lolo National Forest

The Lolo National Forest, located in the beautiful “big sky country” of Montana and containing four wilderness areas, offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity at endless recreation in the great outdoors.

  • Visit gorgeous Lolo National Forest in the “big sky country” of Montana
  • Easily reached from Glacier National Park
  • Try fishing some of the 100 lakes or 5 rivers
  • Spot some grizzly, black bears, moose or mountain goats
  • Winter is a thrilling time with cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing

Overview

In Lolo National Forest, Montana you’ll find varying terrain with high mountain lakes, crystal streams, lovely meadows and thick forests where all types of outdoor recreation beckon the visitor.

Location

The Lolo Forest lies in western Montana, south of Glacier National Park. You can reach Lolo from Route 83 north of Seeley Lake, Montana. You can contact the Lolo National Forest Supervisor for more information at Fort Missoula Bldg. 24, Missoula, Montana 59804 or call 406-329-3750.

Seasons

Lolo National Forest is accessible all year.

Activities

For fabulous recreation opportunities, come to Lolo National Forest when on your Glacier vacation.

  • Fishing
    With more than 100 lakes and 5 rivers, you will find great fishing here. Welcome Creek and Rock Creek are some of the favorites. Catch a record number of native trout.
  • Hiking and Backpacking
    On the historic trails within the forest, you can follow the paths that Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce took. The Nez Perce Trail is 600 feet wide. There are 700 miles of trails, including through the Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness section of the forest and the remote Rattlesnake National Recreation Area & Wilderness.
  • Hunting
    Welcome Creek Wilderness within Lolo National Forest offers superior hunting. Elk and bear are the favorite big game and offer challenges in the rugged heavily timbered pine and fir forests.
  • Wildlife Watching
    You’ll find all kinds of wildlife wandering in their native habitat, from grizzly bears, black bears and moose to mountain goats, bighorn sheep and mule deer. Spot some bald eagles, herons and trumpeter swan. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is an excellent place to see mountain lions, hawks and much more.
  • Winter Sports
    During winter, take to the white landscapes by cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or downhill skiing. Snowshoeing is a wonderful adventure, too.

Additional Info

In the upper Wilderness areas, you will have a greater chance to come across grizzly bears, so ensure you have proper bear-proof food storage.

The northern boundary of the forest contains the sacred ground of the Salish and Kootenai Indians and you must not tread upon the ground where only tribal members are permitted.