Lolo Hot Springs, Granite Springs
Lolo Hot Springs registers 111°F with unusually alkaline water at pH 9.3 and very low mineral content, dominated by 52 mg/L sodium. Located at 4,324 feet in Missoula County, Montana, the spring sits 147 meters from Lolo Creek Road and requires a short walk to reach. The Salish name translates to "Steam on a Ridge Top."
The spring occupies the western reaches of Missoula County along the U.S. Highway 12 corridor near the Idaho border, at the foot of the Bitterroot Mountains. At 4,324 feet, the surrounding terrain is densely forested with mixed conifers and cut by Lolo Creek's drainage. Annual snowfall exceeds 10 feet, blanketing the valley from late fall through spring. The area receives over 30 inches of precipitation yearly, supporting thick understory growth along the creek bottoms.
The Salish people knew this site as smtt'm'cqi, meaning "Steam on a Ridge Top," indicating longstanding Indigenous recognition of the thermal activity. The springs developed into an unincorporated community featuring a commercial hot springs operation with a hotel and restaurant. Lolo Hot Springs marks the westernmost settlement along U.S. Highway 12 in Montana, serving as a waypoint on the historic Lolo Trail route.
Summer and early fall provide the most reliable access, as annual snowfall tops 121 inches and winter road conditions can be challenging along Highway 12. West Fork Butte Lookout, a reservable Forest Service cabin about 10 km away, serves as a base camp but requires vehicle access that closes December through May. Bring layers; average annual air temperature is just 42.8°F.
Is Lolo Hot Springs, Granite Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Lolo Hot Springs, Granite Springs is alkaline (pH 9.3).
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Overview West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area. Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. From December 1 - May 1 Forest Road 37 is closed, requi...