Recreation
The Lolo National Forest contains four Wilderness areas, two downhill ski areas, impressive mountain ranges, lakes, wild and scenic rivers, campgrounds, picnic areas, rental cabins and lookouts. Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, visiting historic sites are just some activities enjoyed year-round. Whether you prefer the solitude of hiking in a Wilderness areas or visiting popular recreation sites for boating and picnic areas, the Forest has something for everyone!
With four Wilderness areas, many lakes and rivers, and unique visitor centers that are historic and informative, whatever your outdoor passion, the Lolo National Forest has something for everyone!
Scenic Highway 12 corridor with Lolo Creek, historic trails, recreation, and interpretive signs on Nez Perce, settlers, and Lewis & Clark history.
Three recreation areas are conveniently located just outside the Missoula city limits and offer a variety of opportunities for locals and visitors…
In addition to the campgrounds and picnic areas in the Ninemile Area, there are several unique places to visit such as the delightful Ninemile…
The Plains/Thompson Falls Area offers several campgrounds, lots of access to the Clark Fork River for fishing and boating and several unique trails -…
This area is east of Missoula and offers many campgrounds, picnic areas and two particularly special and popular log cabins available for rent. Rock…
There's so much to like about the Seeley Lake Area all year. During the summer, the lakes are a great way to cool off. In the fall, the colorful…
On the western edge of the Lolo National Forest, this area has unique offerings such as the historic Savenac Tree Nursery and Visitor Center, access…
Recreation
Printers Trailhead
Site Open
From this trailhead, visitors can enter directly into the Petty Mountain roadless area on the Printers Creek Trail #718. The trail extends 4.5 miles to a junction with the Petty Mountain Trail #8,…
Quartz Flat Campground
Site Closed
Conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 90, this forested campground with a nature trail is a nice break from traveling on the highway. Upon arriving at the campground, you will travel through…
Rainy Lake Campground
Site Open
This is a small 6-site campground on Rainy Lake north of Seeley Lake. Sites 2-6 are walk-in only, and site 1 is a small trailer site.  Vehicles must stay on roads, and all sites are first come,…
Rattlesnake Horse Trail #517A (Stuart Peak)
This trailhead is on the east side of Rattlesnake Creek and provides adequate parking for horse trailers. The trail leads north for about 0.25 mile and then joins up with the main Rattlesnake…
Rattlesnake Main Trail #515
Close to Missoula, this trail is popular for day hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. The trail was an old logging road so it is wide, has a relatively gentle grade for the first 9 miles, and…
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area & Wilderness
Site Open
Established by Congress in 1980, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is located on the Missoula Ranger District, northwest of Missoula and southwest of Seeley Lake, Montana. This…
Ravine Creek Trail #34
This trail is the quickest way to Stewart Peak. The trail is forested and switchbacks lead up a steep grade and then ties into the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area trail system.View this trail on…
Reservation Divide Trailhead
Site Open
This trailhead allows hikers to approach the summit of Ch-Paa-Qn Peak via the Reservation Divide Trail #98.3. The 3 mile trail to the junction below the summit is slightly longer than the route from…
River Point Campground
Site Closed
On the west side of Seeley Lake, this campground and picnic area has a stretch of beach that is a great place for playing in the water or people watching while you relax in the shade of the trees.…
Rock Creek Microburst Viewing Site
Site Open
This is the site of a spectacular weather event. In 1989, a "microburst," or tornado-like windstorm ripped down hundreds of trees in this canyon. An interpretive sign explains this phenomenon.View…