Lolo Peak

Miles:  6.5

Elevation Gain: 3296ft. (5800ft.-9096ft.)

            From Missoula drive south on hwy 93 until you reach Lolo.  After several stop lights take a right onto hwy 12.  About 2 miles down, 12 Mormon Creek Road will appear on your left.  Take Mormon Creek road for 8.5 miles until you reach Lolo Peak trailhead.

            The Lolo Peak trail can be very time consuming so arrive early and plan for an all day hike.  Bring snacks and lots of water, this hike is very steep at times and you will want to take breaks along the way.  There are vista points along the trail you can stop at to take a look at the increasingly fantastic views.  Four miles up the trail you will reach Carlton Ridge, which is another great resting point.  You will then descend the other side of Carlton Ridge until you reach Carlton Lake.

            At Carlton Lake you may choose your path to summit Lolo Peak.  Ascending North Summit and then taking that ridgeline to Lolo Peak will add mileage to your total journey, but you conquer two mountains without much more effort.  North Summit is 8694 ft. in elevation and is actually the mountain you see from Missoula when you think you are looking at Lolo Peak.

            These two summits do not have designated trails to them so you will need to do some scrambling over loose rock for some of the way but don’t give up, this is a very rewarding hike.

This is another “must do” hike for anyone visiting or living in western Montana.  The views from atop Lolo Peak are breathtaking.  Views of the Missoula valley are unforgettable.  The views into the Selway-Bitterroot Mountains really give you great perspective, and on clear days the Mission Mountains can be seen.

Cha-paa-qn (Formerly Squaw Peak)

Miles:  4.1 or 2.8 (Reservation Divide East Trail or Sleeping Woman Trail

Elevation Gain: 1838ft. or 2298ft.  (6158ft. or 5698ft.-7996ft.)

            From Missoula take interstate 90 west for about 22 miles.  Take exit 82 at  Ninemile Road and take a right heading north.  4.5 miles ahead is the Ninemile Ranger Station on the left hand side.  It is highly recommended that you stop here for a visit to look at the maps and get yourself acclimated to the area before you hike.  There are several roads to choose from and it can be a little difficult locating the trailheads.

            There are actually three trailheads to choose from to summit Cha-paa-qn.  Kennedy Creek Trailhead can be located along Forest Road #5507 and is about 8.6 miles to the summit.  The other two trails are Sleeping Woman Trail and Reservation Divide East Trail. 

To access the Reservation Divide East Trailhead, travel North on Edith Peak Road (Forest Road #476) for 10 miles.  The trailhead will be located on your left hand side.  This trail is a fairly easy hike and can be quite refreshing.  The last half mile or so isn’t a specific trail to the summit, so you will be hiking over loose rock.  Keep your eyes open for moose and other wildlife, as there is an abundance. 

            To access the Sleeping Woman Trailhead, travel North on Edith Peak Road.  Veer to the left on Forest Road #456 and then take a right on Forest Road #2178.  The distance from Ninemile Ranger Station to the Sleeping Woman Trailhead is approximately 11 miles.  This trail is shorter but is quite steep, so be well prepared.  The views from atop Cha-paa-qn are grand.  The views of the Mission Mountain Range are huge.  The views of the Missoula Valley and Bitterroot Valleys and Mountains are incredible.  This is another highly recommended hike.