Surrounded by pine-carpeted mountains, the Lolo Hot Springs resort boasts indoor hot springs and a large, clean, hot mineral swimming pool with a sweeping view of the forest. Both younger and older family members and friends will enjoy their time here in the lap of nature, served by friendly staff – the perfect place to unplug and relax in rustic simplicity!
What To Expect
Lolo Hot Springs offers a large, L-shaped concrete outdoor swimming pool of 70-80°F untreated mineral water, and space on the concrete decking around it for a bit of sunbathing, should the mood take you and weather accommodate. Beyond the fence (to keep the local wildlife out and little hot-springers in), are giant boulders and the glorious Montana mountains – an inspiring sight as you while away the hours in the pool.
There is also a 102-106°F indoor concrete soaking/floating pool in cozy cabin surrounds, with access to bathrooms and showers.
| Address | 38500 W. Highway 12, Lolo, Montana |
| Location | 27 miles from Lolo, Montana |
| Open | Seasonal opening hours. 8am to 10pm on summer weekdays, until midnight on the weekends |
| Clothing | Required (Some evenings are clothing optional – call ahead to check) |
| Road Access | Easy. All vehicles |
| Water Temperature | 102-106°F |
| Admission | $5 – 7 per person (day pass) |
NOTE that the resort often runs “Back to Nature” nights for those who enjoy soaking in the nude. Announcements are usually made on their Facebook page beforehand. Please check before you go if this is something that might make you uncomfortable.
Hungry? The property has an on-site restaurant offering plenty of good, filling food, among which are steaks, hot wings, salads, nachos and a sizable choice of burgers and sandwiches! They even have a menu for your “bear cubs”.
The on-site bar offers live weekend entertainment in the summer, as well as a fine selection of gaming machines and pool tables.
Soaking Rates – Day Pass
All prices are subject to change without notice.
| Under 5s | FREE |
| Children 5-12 | $5 |
| 13 – 54 | $7 |
| 55+ | $6 |
Pool Winter Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – Midnight
Pool Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 9am – Midnight
Interesting History
Lolo Hot Springs was a popular soaking spot for centuries with the local Indian tribes, who revered the water’s healing powers and used it as a meeting place. In the 19th century, the Lewis and Clark Expedition opened up the area to explorers, miners, ranchers and homesteaders, who realized the potential not only of the waters, but of the wildlife (game) that lived in the surroundings. By 1885, Lolo Hot Springs had become the favorite vacation spot for numerous families and sportsmen.
The nearby historic Granite Hot Springs site was built in the early 1900s, and the book and movie “A River Runs through It,” written by Norman MacLean in the early 1920s and set in the Bitterroot and Lolo Hot Springs, has brought even more guests to the area (though the 1991 film itself was shot in south central Montana in Livingston and Bozeman, and on the nearby upper Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Boulder Rivers).
As if that’s not enough great history, Olympians came to Lolo Hot Springs to train for the 1966 Olympic Luge Run!
How To Get There
From Missoula, Montana, it will take you just 48 minutes (37.9 miles) to get to Lolo Hot Springs. After leaving Missoula, stay on the US-12 W/US-93 S/Bitterroot Road for 7 miles. In Lolo, Turn right onto US-12 W/Faq 93/Lolo Creek Rd. After some 26 miles, turn right onto Fish Creek Rd. Lolo Hot Springs resort is just over a mile along that same road.
Can I Stay There?
Yes. Guests can choose from deluxe or economy heated cabins (some of which are pet friendly – for a charge), camp, or they can bring along their RVs (hookups provided). Cabin guests get free use of the waters.
Their Deluxe Cabins sleep four and have a queen bed, a trundle bed, a bathroom with shower, and a kitchenette with microwave, coffee maker, a small refrigerator and a Satellite TV. Within the price of your stay, you’ll get passes for the hot springs and tickets for a Continental Breakfast at the restaurant (check serving times when they hand these passes to you!).
The Economy Cabins have full size beds for two guests and includes passes for the hot springs.
RV Hookups and tent camping spots are available year-round and have grills so you can cook your own dinner if the restaurant menu doesn’t appeal.
Rates
Note – All prices are subject to change without notice.
| Tent Camping | $16/night (+pool pass charge) |
| RV Hookups | $24/night (+pool pass charge) |
| Economy Cabins | From $40 (inc.pool pass) |
| Deluxe Cabins | From $90 (inc.pool pass) |
What Else Can I Do In The Area?
If you’re in the area for a day or so, you’ll want to get your hiking boots on to explore at least some of the 500 miles of trails for hiking or riding. Alternatively, Lolo Hot Springs offers its own Shuttle Bus Tours through the Lolo Canyon.
Explore Big Sky Country on horseback – Lolo Hot Springs works with Hidalgo Trail Rides to offer horseback riding experiences of 30-minutes up to full days. We recommend going for the ride+Cowboy Steak Dinner package.
Why not try some “River Runs Through It”-inspired fly-fishing in the Lochsa and Selway rivers too? And keep your eyes open as you travel- due to the geology in the area, you might just find crystals popping out of the ground!
For a calm and fun day outdoors, try your hand at the 18-hole Granite Park Golf Course – buy your disks in the Lolo Hot springs bar/restaurant and start the round trip course from the deck!
In winter, Lolo Hot Springs has by-the-day Snowmobile Rentals available, at $300 for a single rider and $350 for a double, so you can play in the Bitterroot and Clear Water Mountain ranges before sinking into those hot healing waters.
The local environment also offers plenty of opportunities to see or hear the native wildlife – keep your eyes and ears open for elk, moose, bears, deer and wolves. During the daytime, keep your food packed away, because there are some cheeky chipmunks and ground squirrels who’ll come in for a grab!
When you’re done exploring, head home to Lolo Hot Springs for some competitive horseshoe tossing or volleyball.
For more hot spring soakin’ try the nearby primitive Jerry Johnson Hot Springs and Weir Creek Hot Springs, and check out other great hot springs within 100 miles of Missoula – Lolo is already on the list!
The Dos And Don’ts Of Visiting A Hot Springs
Every hot springs has its own quirks. Visitors to Lolo Hot Springs, for example, should expect a laid back atmosphere and regular “back to nature” nights for those who like to soak in the nude. For important “hot springs etiquette,” we highly recommend you take a moment to check out our carefully compiled easy-to-read list of “dos and don’ts” here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lolo Hot Springs is 38 miles from Missoula, Montana, near the border with Idaho, 27 miles west of the town of Lolo.
Opening/closing times vary by the season. It’s best to check on their website or call ahead before you go, especially when it’s a Holiday. Pool Winter Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – Midnight. Pool Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 9am – Midnight.
An Economy Cabin will set you back around $40 and includes pool passes for all guests, while you should expect to pay $90 for a stay in a Deluxe Cabin (also including pool passes).
The indoor hot spring pool is 102 – 106°F, while the large outdoor swimming pool is 70 – 80°F.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
