Lolo is near the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass, which was so eagerly sought for-and eventually located-by Lewis and Clark. The post office was established in 1888 with John Delany in charge. The creek was originally called Travelers' Rest Creek because men using the trail there found it an ideal spot to stop, rest, hunt, and repair their gear and clothing before tackling the trip over the pass. The natural hot water springs also helped make it a favorite stop. There has been much conjecture concerning the origin of the name. One idea is that the Indians named it for Lewis, but that in their language it came out as Lou Lou and finally Lo Lo. Another suggestion is that it was named by early French traders for LeLouis, and that the present form is a corruption. Still another is that lolo is a Nez Perce word meaning "muddy water." (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) Located at a historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The Park is at the core of a campsite used by the Corps of Discovery from September 9 - 11, 1805 and again from June 30 - July 3, 1806. For centuries Native Americans also used it as a campsite and trail junction. Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Nez Perce peoples were among those who traditionally occupied the area.The Lolo Trail Center is located in a unique and historical area. Lewis and Clark stopped by here on September 13, 1803 and again on June 29, 1806. The Nez Perce tribe used this route over the Bitterroots to go hunting for buffalo in the east, and the Salish tribe traveled the trail to procure salmon and camas in the western Nez Perce lands.Lolo Hot Springs Resort is on 125 acres of private property in the middle of the Lolo National Forest, 37 miles southwest of Missoula. The resort has natural mineral hot springs pools, RV Park, campground, teepees, and more.
