Lotsa Lochsa

A wild four-season staycation.

Nestled in the Lolo Mountains in rustic central Idaho, close to the Montana border, is a beautiful lodge. It’s a place where you can while away your day soaking in some natural hot springs and relaxing while you escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can find Lochsa Lodge in Idaho, 57 miles west of Missoula, Montana on U.S. Highway 12, over the Lolo Pass on the Idaho/Montana state line.

Rich in history, the original Lodge was built in 1929 as a commercial hunting lodge. The area is what was once considered the heart of some of the wildest country in the lower 48 states.

A chimney fire destroyed the old historic lodge in 2001, but construction began immediately on a new lodge made of hand-scribed logs. The new building includes a library/meeting space, river view deck, gift shop, dining room and tavern. There are no guest rooms in the main Lodge, but a series of smaller lodges and cabins are available surrounding the main building to give a variety of options for every budget. The Lochsa Lodge is open every day, year-round, including holidays, with a restaurant on-site that runs the same hours, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner alongside amazing views.

A major draw of the Lochsa Lodge is the natural hot springs that occur in the area. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is located just 10 miles west of the Lodge, and Weir Creek Hot Springs is located just 20 miles west of the Lodge. Each are natural backcountry hot springs that are accessible year-round by a short drive and a 1.5 mile hike.

Jerry Johnson has a series of pools alongside Warm Springs Creek, several of which mingle the hot water with cool water in creek-side pools. Several other pools sit up from the creek to provide a variety of options.

Weir sits up on a rock ledge, overlooking the creek and a beautiful old-growth glade of cedar, fir and pine. Both springs provide wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife while soaking away your cares.

Early spring brings whitewater to the Lochsa River. The river is known for its world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking. There are many guided trips in the area that are available May through June, and there are packaged “Raft and Relax” deals with the Lodge. Call the Lochsa Lodge at 208.942.3405 for more information.

July through September offer up horseback trail rides from the Lodge. This adventure will bring you along some of Lewis & Clark’s famous journey, as well as allow you to see where the Nez Perce traveled through on their way to their buffalo hunting grounds in Montana.

There is also great fishing, huckleberry picking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and sightseeing available right from the Lodge.

Autumn opens up hunting opportunities in the area. Moose, elk, bear, and mountain lion are all options for the avid outdoorsmen. The forest starts to change color and everything starts readying for winter. The Lodge becomes a place to rest, relax and recharge as the season heads into winter.

Lochsa Lodge

115 Powell Road

Lolo, MT 59847

208.942.3405

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