6. Lolo, MT to Pierce
LOLO, MT TO PIERCE – 150 miles
Say goodbye to Montana before you turn onto the famous Lolo Pass Highway and head back towards Idaho. The main route branches off the highway to follow dirt roads and bypasses the actual pass on the Montana-Idaho border. If you want to ride some wonderful scenic pavement, just continue on Highway 12 and it will get you to the same place. Either way, you’ll want to stop at Lochsa Lodge. It has a great restaurant, a general store with fuel, a campground, and cabins for rent to regroup before tackling the infamous Lolo Motorway.
The Lolo Motorway (road NF-500) follows the path used by the Nez Perce Indians to reach buffalo hunting grounds on the Great Plains. It was also used by Lewis and Clark during their quest to find an inland waterway to the west in 1805. The forest road you’ll be riding is not particularly challenging but is very remote with limited bailouts. Take your time to stop and explore the historically significant spots along the way. This section ends in the town of Pierce which has gas, a grocery store and lodging options.
6. Lolo, MT to Pierce
LOLO, MT TO PIERCE – 150 miles
Say goodbye to Montana before you turn onto the famous Lolo Pass Highway and head back towards Idaho. The main route branches off the highway to follow dirt roads and bypasses the actual pass on the Montana-Idaho border. If you want to ride some wonderful scenic pavement, just continue on Highway 12 and it will get you to the same place. Either way, you’ll want to stop at Lochsa Lodge. It has a great restaurant, a general store with fuel, a campground, and cabins for rent to regroup before tackling the infamous Lolo Motorway.
The Lolo Motorway (road NF-500) follows the path used by the Nez Perce Indians to reach buffalo hunting grounds on the Great Plains. It was also used by Lewis and Clark during their quest to find an inland waterway to the west in 1805. The forest road you’ll be riding is not particularly challenging but is very remote with limited bailouts. Take your time to stop and explore the historically significant spots along the way. This section ends in the town of Pierce which has gas, a grocery store and lodging options.
Hemlock Butte Lookout 6053’
IDBDR POI
Indian Post Office
Indian Post Office It’s hardly a traditional post office, but Indian Post Office sure delivers an unusual tale. The remote ridgetop marker was the place where travelers once left messages for each other generations ago. According to legend, Native Americans piled up stones in different ways to pass on information. The site can be traced back to the time the Lolo Motorway of today was used by the Nez Perce Native Americans. The “post office” is likely also the spot where Lewis and Clark once lost their way. Make a quick stop to enjoy the scenery and look around for any “hidden messages” of today. Visit Website »
Lochsa Lodge - Food, Gas, Lodging
Lochsa Lodge – Food, Gas, Lodging Right on the Lochsa River, stay for the night in one of the lodge rooms and cabins of Lochsa Lodge or at a nearby campground. It’s also a good spot to grab a meal inside the lodge’s restaurant or on its back deck. Use the stay to explore the Historic Lewis and Clark Trail or book a trail ride right from the lodge. The property is also a good starting point for fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation in the region. Be sure to make a stop in the lodge’s General Store, then fuel up before tackling the nearby Lolo Motorway. Visit Website »
Lolo Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs Lolo Hot Springs Lodge offers cabins, camping and more, so keep an eye out for the resort on the Montana side of the Lolo Highway. This is a good spot to go for a drink, a meal or to try your luck at the casino. True to its name, Lolo Hot Springs is also a relaxing place to take a dip in one of its indoor or outdoor hot springs and pools. Whether staying for the night or just for a few hours, the resort is used to accommodating motorcyclists and even snowmobilers in the winter months. Visit Website »
Lolo Pass 5233′
Lolo Pass Mark the journey back across the border into Idaho with a stop at Lolo Pass. Right on the Idaho/Montana border crossing, this is a good spot to soak up some local history at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. Take time to learn about the travels of Lewis and Clark through the region and about the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. The information center also offers visitors the convenience of 24-hour restrooms and a large parking lot. It’s a secure place for local travelers and Idaho BDR riders to stop and rest for a bit before continuing on with the route. Visit Website »
ID6 - Lolo MT to Pierce
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