Before it was a home base for hikers, hot spring soakers, and snowshoers, Lochsa Lodge started as a hunting lodge. In the early 1900s, this stretch of the Clearwater National Forest drew sportsmen from all over the region, looking to track elk, deer, and bear in the steep, wooded country surrounding the wild and untamed Lochsa River.

More than a hundred years later, not much has changed. The land is still wild. The game is still plentiful. And Lochsa Lodge still welcomes hunters each year, offering warm cabins, hot meals, and a good place to swap stories after a long day in the field.

What Big Game Can You Hunt Near Lochsa Lodge?

Unit 12, the game management unit surrounding Lochsa Lodge, is home to some of Idaho’s most iconic big game species. Whether you’re chasing the challenge of a backcountry elk hunt or looking to tag a whitetail in the late season, this area offers a wide range of opportunities.

The large game species you’ll find in the areas surrounding the lodge include:

• Whitetail Deer: A favorite for many hunters in the region. Tags go quickly, so plan ahead.
• Elk: Known for their size and elusiveness, elk hunting in Unit 12 requires grit and good boots.
• Black Bear: Spring and fall bear seasons offer unique tracking and spotting challenges.
• Mountain Lion: Rare and difficult to hunt, but present in the area.
• Wolves: Legal to hunt in Idaho and a newer part of the local ecosystem. Hunters should be aware of regulations and best practices.

According to Thomas, locals report that populations of elk and deer grew significantly after the Mount St. Helens eruption in the 1980s, thanks to the nutrient-rich ash that blanketed the region. More recently, herd numbers have declined due to the reintroduction of the gray wolf in the 1990s, a species not historically native to this part of Idaho.

Moose are also found in the region, but their numbers are limited. Tags are issued only through a special draw and are rarely awarded due to low population counts.

Where Can You Hunt in Unit 12? 

Lochsa Lodge sits within Game Management Unit 12, a remote, mountainous stretch of land managed by Idaho Fish & Game. It’s a place known for its steep terrain, dense forest, and miles of backcountry—the kind of hunting ground that rewards patience, effort, and physical and mental toughness.

“Unit 12 is very rugged and a very thick forest,” Thomas says. “It’s a special region due to the beauty of this area. God’s country.”

Unit 12 is big and largely roadless. That means much of the best hunting happens on foot, sometimes far from trailheads or easy access points. But for many hunters, that’s part of the appeal. The remoteness of the area helps maintain healthy game populations and offers a deeper kind of solitude.

If you’re planning a hunt in Unit 12, it’s a good idea to study the terrain in advance. The Idaho Hunt Planner is a great place to start, with interactive maps, species ranges, and unit boundaries to help you prepare. While Thomas hasn’t used it personally, it’s a solid resource for out-of-town hunters and first-timers alike.

Just don’t expect anyone to point you to their “spot.” As Thomas puts it: “A true hunter never gives away his rewarding spots.”

When Can You Hunt in Unit 12? Conditions and Seasons to Know

The best time to hunt near Lochsa Lodge depends on what you’re after and how you want to hunt. Seasons vary by species and weapon type, with options for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader throughout the fall and into early winter. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, head to the Idaho Fish & Game Hunt Planner. There, you can find specific season dates, tag availability, and species-by-species breakdowns for Unit 12 and beyond.

One thing to keep in mind according to Thomas: whitetail deer tags in this area tend to go fast. If you’re planning a hunt, make sure to check availability and secure your tag early. As for conditions, expect them to change—often and without much notice. Snow can be a benefit for hunters, making it easier to track animals. Rain, on the other hand, can dampen both your spirits and your chances.

“Don’t hunt in the rain,” Thomas says. “You’ll be cold and wet, and animals are like people: if it’s raining they stay tucked away and do not move much.”

What Lochsa Lodge Offers Hunters

After a long day in the woods, there’s nothing better than a hot meal, a warm fire, and a place to swap stories. Lochsa Lodge has been offering all of that and more since its earliest days as a hunting outpost over a century ago.

Today’s hunters still find a welcome basecamp here. You’ll find:

• Comfortable cabins with heat, hot water, and space to recharge
• Hearty food served up in the main lodge—breakfast before dawn or dinner after dark
• Our cozy tavern stocked with local beer, wine, and canned cocktails—including craft beer on tap
• A fully stocked country store with fuel, snacks, maps, and even hunting and fishing tags and on-site access to IDFG regulations and materials

It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to connect. “People come from around the states and the world to hunt here,” Thomas says. “Last year I met a New Zealand couple, this year a hunting party from Ohio was the first Black Bear check in at the country store.”

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or heading out for your first time in the Idaho backcountry, the lodge provides a comfortable place to begin and end each day.

Join a Centuries-Long Tradition from Lochsa Lodge

Hunting in Unit 12 isn’t easy. The terrain is steep, the forest is thick, and the animals are smart. But that’s what makes it worthwhile.

So bring good boots, a good attitude, and a healthy respect for the wilderness. If you’re willing to put in the work, Lochsa Lodge will be here waiting with a hot meal, a warm bed, and maybe even a story or two from someone who’s been doing this for a while.