Activities & Things to Do

Hiking, ATV/UTV, horseback riding, & huckleberries — summer at Lochsa Lodge is a feast of fun! 

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting season on the Wild & Scenic Lochsa River is short and intense. In May and June, high water creates roiling rapids that will test your adrenaline and endurance. Come experience the pure power of Mother Nature on a guided raft trip — though whitewater rafting season on the Lochsa is typically over by early July.  For more information, we highly recommend booking your rafting trip with the experienced guides at Three Rivers Rafting out of Kooskia, Idaho,  Mammoth River Adventures out of Lowell, Idaho – OR – book with ROW Adventures.  If you missed rafting season this year, plan on next year May/June!

Hiking
Travel in the footsteps of the Nez Perce, who passed through here on their way to buffalo hunting grounds in Montana, and explorers Lewis and Clark, who camped nearby during their famous 1803-1806 expedition. From the lodge, you can access the eight-mile Historic Lewis and Clark Trail that stretches between the Wendover/Whitehouse and Whitesands campgrounds next to the Lochsa River. 

Horseback Riding
We recommend exploring the wilderness surrounding the lodge the old-fashioned way: on horseback! Learn more about trail rides with Boulder Creek Outfitters, Hildago Trail Rides , or Pinpoint Outfitters on their websites.

Fishing
Anglers will find plenty of rainbow and cutthroat trout as well as mountain whitefish. Steelhead and Chinook salmon are sometimes reported in the lower part of the river. **Looking for a guided fishing adventure?  Contact Pinpoint Outfitters, they offer backcountry and guided fishing experiences.

Huckleberry Picking
These little purple delicacies are prized by berry lovers. You’ll find plenty of picking places near the lodge; just ask us for recommendations. 

Mountain Biking, ATV’s, & UTV’s
You can access hundreds of miles of amazing, rugged mountain biking trails straight from the lodge. Contact us directly for our favorite routes.  Want to rent a dirt bike or trail bike?   Check out Maverick Motorsports rentals in Missoula.

Hot Springs
Cap off your day with a dip in one of two backcountry hot springs: Jerry Johnson Hotspring, which is located 10 miles west of the lodge, and Weir Creek Hotsprings, which are 20 miles west. It’s a 1.5 mile hike into both locations, but the payoff — a well-earned “ahhhhhh” — is worth the effort. 

Whether you’re hunting game, angling for fish, or on the lookout for fall colors, you’ll discover the thrill of the chase at Lochsa Lodge. 

Fishing
Is there a more beautiful spot to cast a line? Anglers flock to the Lochsa for trout, mountain whitefish, and even salmon and steelhead. Ask us what’s biting and where. **Looking for a guided fishing adventure?  Contact Pinpoint Outfitters, they offer backcountry and guided fishing experiences.

Hunting
There’s a good reason hunters have flocked to our part of the wilderness for a century — it’s big game country.  Autumn offers one of your best shots at bagging elk, deer, and bear.  Our region offers unbeatable access for hunters pursuing bears, moose, elk, or mountain lions. We recommend working with the expert wilderness guides at Boulder Creek Outfitters or Pinpoint Outfitters.

Horseback Riding
We recommend exploring the wilderness surrounding the lodge the old-fashioned way: on horseback! Learn more about trail rides with Boulder Creek Outfitters, Hildago Trail Rides , or Pinpoint Outfitters on their websites.

Fall Colors
You don’t have to head back east to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Our proud, tall Tamaracks (Western Larch) set the forest alight with golden hues.

Hot Springs
Cap off your day with a dip in one of two backcountry hot springs: Jerry Johnson Hotspring, which is located 10 miles west of the lodge, and Weir Creek Hotsprings, which are 20 miles west. It’s about a 1 mile hike into both locations, but the payoff — a well-earned “ahhhhhh” — is worth the effort. 

Winter is magic out here in the backcountry.

Cross-Country Skiing
People who love cross-country and Nordic skiing swear there is no better way to winter — just you, your skis, and the power of your own body moving you through some of the most gorgeous country in the Lower 48. We’re happy to point you toward the best areas to explore. 

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing lets you travel through country impassable by any other means. In other words: A lot of work, but big payoffs! You don’t need any experience to snowshoe, just a willingness to blaze new trails. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry — we can help you rent some during your stay. 

Snowmobiling
In the winter, the Lolo Pass trailhead becomes a hub of snowmobiling activity as enthusiasts fan out through the extensive network of nearby trails. Our area boasts great snow, jaw-dropping vistas, and plenty of technical trails to keep it interesting. Tell us what kind of adventure you’d like to have and we’ll offer recommendations on the places most likely to fit the bill.      **New to Snowmobiling and want to experience a guided snowmobiling adventure?   Contact Pinpoint Outfitters, they offer guided snowmobiling adventures.

Hot Springs
Cap off your chilly day with a dip in one of two backcountry hot springs: Jerry Johnson Hotspring, which is located 10 miles west of the lodge, and Weir Creek Hotsprings, which are 20 miles west. It’s about a 1 mile hike into both locations, but the payoff — a well-earned “ahhhhhh” — is worth the effort. 

Fly Fishing
Anglers who wade into the freezing waters of the Lochsa River will be rewarded with a huge array of fish: bull trout, kokanee, steelhead, and salmon. This is a special chance to fish a never-dammed, wild river, and you won’t soon forget the experience of casting amidst snow-covered trees. The season is catch-and-release from Dec. 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, with no bait allowed except for maggots, so bring your waders and your skills.   **Looking for a guided fishing adventure?  Contact Pinpoint Outfitters, they offer backcountry and guided fishing experiences.