Lolo Motorway - Lewis & Clark NHT

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Took Brutus to Idaho to drive the 100 mile + Lolo Motorway in Clearwater National Forest near the Lolo Pass into Montana.

It is an ancient Indian trail, used by Lewis & Clark both westbound in 1805 and again eastbound in 1806. They almost died in a September winter storm. It was again made famous during the Nez Perce War of 1877, and was widened to a rough single lane in the 1930s by the CCC. It's nothing technical but its 10mph along the ridgelines much of the way. It is as close to what Lewis & Clark saw as it gets.

We reserved a Forest Service fire tower and at night, despite a 360 degree view, could not spot a single light on the ground in any direction. The stars practically lit the ground. There appear to be many side hiking trails in addition to the few marked points of historical interest. If anyone has more info please share.

 

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Views, et al.

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:usa2:

 

[Oldmanb777]

Great trip and nice pictures. Traveling the Lewis and Clark trail is always a joy. Great history at every corner. The Nez Pierce trail over Gibbons Pass and into the Big Hole. All of it, great exploring.

 

[smallfry]

Nice.

I've been wanting to check that area out for awhile.

 

[fortysixand2]

I've been lurking for a while here, but I decided my first post needed to be about this. Your post has convinced me to start planning my summer trip here. My first trip in my 2019 TRD OR. Thanks for the pics and the inspiration.

 

[wanderMT]

I've been lurking for a while here, but I decided my first post needed to be about this. Your post has convinced me to start planning my summer trip here. My first trip in my 2019 TRD OR. Thanks for the pics and the inspiration.

I've wanted to get over in that area also. Made it to Big Hole area last year and warrants return. Plan and note that fire season in area has been bad for last couple years and can kinda ruin trip. Window between snowdrifts and fire season is sometimes short.