Entry No. 27 — the Missoula file — filed under: soak

Lolo Hot Springs

Set high in the Lolo National Forest just shy of the Idaho line, this rustic spring sits well away from town light pollution, which makes for genuinely dark skies over the soaking pools. Beyond the natural mineral water there's a bar, restaurant and live music, giving the place a low-key roadhouse feel deep in the woods. The drive in along Highway 12 climbs through forest the whole way.

The move: Drive up Highway 12 toward Idaho at dusk, soak in the forest pools after dark, and grab a drink and live music between dips.

📍 Before you go Roughly 50 minutes / 30+ miles southwest of Missoula via Hwy 93 to Hwy 12. Confirm current pool and bar hours before going; offerings and evening availability shift seasonally.

• 📍 Lolo, MT
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 38500 US-12, Lolo, MT 59847 (Lolo National Forest, near the Idaho border)

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24