Lolo National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on the Lolo.

1-4 are general forest questions, 5-8 are Ninemile Ranger District questions:

1. Do you take reservations for your campsites?

2. Where can I get a firewood permit?

3. Where is the closest camping site to Missoula?

4. What does "Lolo" mean?

5. Ninemile - Can I fish in Kreis Pond and what type of fish are there?

6. Ninemile - What are your Visitor Center hours?

7. Ninemile - How far is it to the Chapaaqn trail head from the ranger station?

8. Ninemile - Do you have guided tours?

 

 

1. Do you take reservations for your campsites?

The Lolo National Forest does not take reservations for any of the campsites on the forest. Camping at designated campsites is first come, first served. The Seeley Lake Ranger District has four large group sites that accept reservations; call the Seeley Lake Ranger District at 406-677-2233 for more information.

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2. Where can I get a firewood permit?

Each Ranger District office can issue firewood permits: Missoula, Ninemile, Plains, Seeley Lake and Superior.

In the Missoula area, you can get a permit in one of three locations:

• The Bureau of Land Management located at Fort Missoula on Fort Missoula Road.
• The Supervisor Office in Building 24 in the Fort Missoula Complex.

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3. Where is the closest Forest Service camping site to Missoula?

• Kreis Pond (free) which is located west of Missoula on I-90 near the Ninemile Ranger District.
• Lolo Creek Campground which is Southwest of Missoula on Hwy 12 west.
• Visit our campground web page for a full list of camping and picnicking sites on the forest.

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4. What does "Lolo" mean?

Yes, we have been asked the meaning of "Lolo" before. The answer may surprise you. Hint...it is not Native American.

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5. Ninemile - Can I fish in Kreis Pond and what type of fish are there?

Yes, you can fish in Kreis Pond. Motorized boats are not allowed, but you can fish from offshore or use a canoe or rowboat. The variety of fish are: large mouth bass or trout.

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6. Ninemile - What are your Visitor Center hours?

Our visitor center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 to 5:00 starting on Memorial weekend (in May), closing on Labor Day (in September).

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7. Ninemile - How far is it to Cha-paa-qn trailhead from the ranger station?

The trailhead is approximately 11 miles from the ranger station. This dirt, forest road to the trailhead is at times not accessible in the winter, you should check at the station before you attempt it during spring/winter/fall times. This trail, #707, is a short but steep 2.8 mile hike.

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8. Ninemile - Do you have guided tours?

Yes! We have scheduled guided tours of our historic ranger station or a demonstration with our emergency fire fighting engine. Also, there is a plant identification tour at the Grand Menard picnic area. Call our main office at 406-626-5201 to schedule your group.

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Do you have a question that we did not address here? Contact us.