Lolo Pass offers a scenic mountain escape just a short drive from Missoula, making it an easy and rewarding addition to any Montana getaway. From the first glimpse of the Bitterroots to the final curves approaching Lolo Pass, you are treated to some of the most striking scenery in the region. A day trip here means winding roads, alpine air, and, in the warmer months, hillsides brushed with vibrant Montana wildflowers.
When you’re not checking out Lolo Pass, there are so many things to do in Missoula that it’s easy to fill a long weekend. You can stroll the Clark Fork River trail system, browse independent bookstores downtown, or catch live music at the best Missoula breweries. In spring and early summer, Missoula wildflowers begin to bloom along nearby trails and scenic overlooks, adding color to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the area. Food lovers will appreciate the city’s farm-focused restaurants and cozy coffee shops, while outdoor enthusiasts can head out for rafting or fly fishing.
When it comes to where to stay, our Bed and Breakfast in Montana offers an elevated experience that goes far beyond a typical hotel room. We offer comfortable accommodations with personalized touches like heated floors and fireplaces in select rooms, jetted tubs in every guest room, and streaming-ready TVs with DVD options. Sweeping views of the Bitterroot Valley are at our doorstep and highlight the beauty of the region, making it easy to admire the landscape before heading out to explore Missoula. After spending the day amongst the wildflowers, you’ll return to our welcoming retreat. Book your room today!
See the Wildflowers at Lolo Pass
Lolo Pass, with over 5,000 feet of elevation, is about 40 miles south of us, an easy drive of roughly one hour depending on how often you stop for photos. The route follows Highway 93 through the town of Lolo before connecting with Highway 12, the historic Lolo Trail. This scenic drive in Montana gradually climbs alongside Lolo Creek, with forested slopes rising on both sides and periodic openings that reveal layered mountain views. The road is paved and well-maintained, making it a relaxed and rewarding day trip from Missoula.
As you make your way toward Lolo Pass, one of the most worthwhile stops is Packer Meadow, located along Highway 12 before you reach the summit. This open meadow sits along the creek and becomes a highlight during wildflower season. In late spring and early summer, Packer Meadow is known for vibrant displays of camas, their purple-blue blooms spreading across the grass like a watercolor painting. You may also spot lupine, Indian paintbrush, arrowleaf balsamroot, and delicate white yarrow. The contrast between the colorful Montana wildflowers and the dark evergreen forest behind them creates a striking scene. There is easy roadside access and space to park, making it a convenient place to step out, stretch your legs, and take photos.
Continuing up the pass, the elevation increases and the air cools. Hillsides along the Lolo Trail often feature beargrass with tall white plumes, along with patches of fireweed later in the season. Earlier in spring, glacier lilies can appear at higher elevations as the snow recedes. The variety of Missoula wildflowers and mountain blooms along this route makes it one of the most scenic drives in Montana and the surrounding region. Pullouts along the river and at scenic overlooks give you safe places to pause and take it all in.
The Lolo Pass Visitor Center is located right at the summit on the Montana and Idaho border, directly off Highway 12, and serves as a rest stop between the two states. Clearly marked and easy to access, it offers parking, picnic tables, and displays that explain the history of the area, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Nez Perce Tribe’s use of the Lolo Trail. There is also a small bookstore and gift shop if you’re interested in buying a keepsake to remind you of your trip to see the wildflowers.
Staff members at the center are often available during the main season to answer questions about what to do at Lolo Pass, from short hikes near the summit to current wildflower conditions. A few hikes worth mentioning at the pass are the Lolo Peak Trail, which takes you to expansive views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire ranges, the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail, which ends at a spectacular waterfall, and the Blossom Lakes Trail, a scenic hike that leads to beautiful alpine lakes. There is also a brief interpretive trail near the visitor center, where you can enjoy the forest up close before heading back toward Missoula.
Stay at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Montana
After a day exploring Lolo Pass and admiring the colorful sweep of wildflowers along the Lolo Trail, our Bed and Breakfast in Montana is a welcoming place to return and relax in Missoula. Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast served in the dining room or out on one of the patios, where mountain and forest views stretch in every direction. You might sit down to Swedish pancakes topped with fresh fruit, a savory asparagus gratin, or another freshly made dish that will prepare you for the day ahead.
Beyond the breakfast table, our Bed and Breakfast in Montana is the perfect place to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. Our water garden provides a quiet corner to read, reflect, or simply listen to the gentle movement of water before heading out to discover more things to do in the area. After hours spent exploring scenic drives in Missoula like Lolo Pass, returning here brings comfort and calm in equal measure. Between the mountain views, the welcoming atmosphere, and the careful details throughout your stay, we’re the best destination for your western Montana escape. Book your getaway today!
