FALL
Things to Do
Planning Your Fall Adventure
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 in the fall.


Fall at our high elevation welcomes adventure-seekers for brisk mornings on the river, afternoons hiking surrounded by golden Tamaracks, and evenings warmed by a blazing fire with a beverage and a hearty meal. Grab your flannel and your wool socks: it’s time to breathe in the crisp mountain air and experience the fall season surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.Â

Bud Moore and Jane Buckhouse on a date around 1939 at the Lochsa Lodge, photo by Bud Moore, 1917-2010
Know before you go
Snow can begin to accumulate as early as October at our high elevation, so check road conditions when you’re planning your trip. Be aware that fall and winter activities also blend based on when Old Man Winter decides to make a blustery appearance in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, so be prepared, aware, and safe.
Powell Road and Lochsa Lodge’s driveways and parking areas are kept plowed during the cold season. We advise AWD or 4×4 during heavy snow; however, reaching Lochsa Lodge and driving on US Hwy 12 is accessible with most all standard vehicles, even in winter. Chains may be required on Lolo Pass occasionally.
US Hwy 12 is plowed and kept in excellent condition during the cold months and is rarely closed–even if some travel map apps say otherwise. We highly recommend using Idaho 511 to view current road conditions rather than map apps–it’s the only official source of information regarding road closures and is highly accurate.
Fall Hours of Operation
M – TH …….. 8AM – 9PM
FRI …………… 8AM – 10PM
Sat …………… 8AM – 10PM
Sun …………. 8AM – 9PM
Cabin Rentals are available 365 days a year. To book a Cabin, please book online. You may also email us or call 208-942-3405

*Lochsa Lodge observes & operates on Mountain Standard Time (MDT). For Pacific Time (PDT), simply subtract 1 hour from the above times. (For Example: 9am = 8am Pacific)
Related Posts & Guides
Activities
Hiking and 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. After the heat of the summer, fall welcomes hikers with perfect mild temperatures early in the season and brilliant reds, oranges, purples, and yellows as trees and undergrowth change color.
Gear
Fall weather can be variable from day-to-day in the high elevation mountains, so plan ahead. Trails may be muddy, wet, snow-covered, or icy, and we recommend proper hiking gear such as boots, YakTrax, and poles to aid in stability in uneven terrain. Always bring food, water, and emergency first aid supplies when hiking.
Trails
- Devoto Cedar Grove: Ancient red cedars–some over two thousand years old!–tower over visitors on this peaceful interpretive trail. It’s an ideal spot for fall hiking and offers an opportunity to connect with and learn about early conservation efforts in the American West.
- Lewis and Clark Trail: History and nature collide on this 8-mile historic trail accessible from the lodge. Hike between the Wendover/Whitehouse and Whitesands campgrounds, with beautiful views of the Lochsa River as you follow along the historic path of Lewis and Clark.
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Trail: Looking for something rewarding and relaxing? Take a short trek that rewards hikers with a lovely soak in natural thermal pools—a fantastic spot to unwind after your hike.
- Lochsa Peak: For the more adventurous hiker, check out Lochsa Peak, a semi-challenging hike through towering forests to ascending peaks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This is an out and back trail with the longest version being 9 miles.
Horseback Riding
We recommend exploring the wilderness surrounding the lodge the old-fashioned way: on horseback! With guided tours available for all experience levels, a horseback ride offers a peaceful yet adventurous way to connect with the land and its history, providing views and encounters that are often missed on foot or by vehicle.
Guides
- Boulder Creek Outfitters: Specializes in scenic backcountry rides, with experienced guides who know the terrain well.
- Hidalgo Trail Rides: Offers both short rides and full-day excursions, perfect for exploring forested trails and mountain views.
- Pinpoint Outfitters: Known for customized tours and friendly, knowledgeable guides, ideal for a personalized experience.
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. Flowing through the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains, the river provides a dynamic fishing experience, with fast-moving waters and deep pools that attract rainbow and cutthroat trout. The season is catch-and-release starting Dec. 1, so get in your last catches before fall ends.
For those looking to enhance their adventure, guided fishing tours offer insider tips on the best spots and techniques for landing the big catch.
Licenses and Gear
The Lochsa Lodge was founded as a hunting lodge, and today, staying true to our roots, we are an Idaho Fish & Game licensed vendor. We sell hunting and fishing licenses as well as game tags and limited hunting and fishing supplies.
Outfitters
Looking for a guide to enhance your experience? Contact Pinpoint Outfitters: they offer backcountry and guided fishing experiences.
Fishing Locations
- Powell Campground: A popular spot for fly fishing, where the river runs cool and clear.
- Glade Creek Group Campground: Known for its abundance of trout, this spot is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers.
- Apgar Campground: Set amidst tranquil surroundings, this location offers easy access to prime fishing waters.
Hunting
There’s a good reason hunters have flocked to our part of the wilderness for a century–it’s big game country. fall 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.
Our lodge sits in Game Management Unit 12, adjacent to units 17 and 10. We recommend planning your hunting trip using the Idaho Hunt Planner, an interactive search and mapping engine. Follow all regulations and safety guidelines.
Licenses and Gear
The Lochsa Lodge was founded as a hunting lodge, and today, staying true to our roots, we are an Idaho Fish & Game licensed vendor. We sell hunting and fishing licenses as well as game tags and limited hunting and fishing supplies.
Outfitters
We recommend working with the expert wilderness guides at Boulder Creek Outfitters or Pinpoint Outfitters.
Guides & Maps

Idaho Trail Map
IDPR maintains mapping applications tailored for summer activities.
Nez Perce-Clearwater Hiking Guide
Check out these popular hiking trails in the Nez Perce-Clearwater with tips and information provided by the Forest Service.

Relaxing & Family-Friendly
Wildlife Viewing
Fall is an ideal time to experience wildlife sightings in our area. After the heat of the summer, animals are more active as they forage and graze in preparation for a long, cold winter season. We recommend hiking and horseback riding for the best chance to see wildlife.
When viewing wildlife around Lochsa Lodge, it’s important to keep a safe distance so animals aren’t disturbed. Use binoculars or a camera’s zoom to watch without getting too close. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging habitats, and keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling animals. Keep control of your four-legged friends on the trail for their safety as well as to not disturb wildlife. Never feed wildlife—this interferes with their natural habits and can make them dependent on human food.


Fall wildlife sighting opportunities include:
Large game animals
Adventurers may spot elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and moose. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats can also be seen near rugged cliffs and hillsides, particularly in areas with less snow.
Small mammals
Snowshoe hares, squirrels, pine martens, chipmunks, and the occasional river otter might be visible. These animals tend to be active through winter, foraging or hunting for food in wooded areas.
Birds of prey
Snowy owls are an inspiring sight in the winter in the Lochsa if you’re lucky enough to see one! Bald eagles are common in winter near open water, especially along rivers. Visitors may also spot red-tailed hawks, northern goshawks, and rough-legged hawks hovering above snowy meadows in search of prey.
Small birds
Chickadees, nuthatches, and various species of woodpeckers are often spotted in the forested areas. Other small winter residents include jays, grouse, and finches, many of which are adapted to colder temperatures and foraging in snowy conditions.

Hot Springs
After a day of adventure, relax with a warm soak in one of the nearby natural hot springs. Fall is the ideal time to experience the unique magic of a natural geothermal hot spring: you’ll be chilly enough to welcome the warm water, but the springs remain more easily accessible than during the colder months.Â
Remember to recreate responsibly and leave no trace at our beloved natural soaking spots. Because hot springs can receive heavy usage, it’s more important than ever to pack out all trash and belongings, stick to designated trails, and adhere to all posted guidelines.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
A local favorite spot, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is accessed through the Warm Springs Trailhead. A short hike is rewarded with the opportunity to soak in several pools with rock walls. The parking area is plowed during the winter, but be aware that the trail leading up to the hot springs can be treacherous. We strongly advise guests to wear snow cleats, Yaktrax with snow boats, or snowshoes, and bring along your hiking poles to navigate the very icy, muddy, snow covered and slick trail. We sell Yaktrax in our country store and rent snowshoes with poles for those who don’t have their own.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs is accessible via the Weir Creek Trailhead, with deep pools and beautiful wintry surroundings in the cold months. Be aware that the Weir Creek parking area is not always plowed in the winter. The trail leading to the springs is often very slick and icy, muddy, and snowy, so we strongly recommend wearing snow cleats, Yaktrax with snow boats, or snowshoes, and bring along your hiking poles. We sell Yaktrax in our country store and rent snowshoes with poles for those who don’t have their own.

Fall Lodge Amenities
After a big day of exploring, we look forward to welcoming you back to the Lodge. The main lodge, with its big stone fireplace, invites you to warm up and relax, while the restaurant serves up hearty comfort food classics that hit the spot. The snug cabins offer a private escape with forest views, and the country store has all the essentials, plus a few local treats. It’s a warm, laid-back place to enjoy the fall season.

Hearty Comfort Food Meets Northwest Fresh
We’ve the only full-service restaurant in a 50-mile radius, and we’re more reliable than the US Postal Service in our remote area: rain or shine, snow or storm, we’re slinging hashbrowns and serving pints of beer year-round, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 365 days a year.

Your Cozy Hub in the Woods
Our cozy tavern has been a hotspot of fun for nearly 100 years. Gather with your buddies for a beer, make new friends over a friendly game, or just unwind after a day of fishing or snowmobiling. Order a bite to eat off our restaurant menu to go with your beer or cocktail. You’ll be able to feel the good vibes the tavern has hosted for decades, proving why the Lochsa Lodge Tavern is a favorite of both travelers and locals alike.