Indian Grave Lookout — Lolo Motorway Ridgeline High Point

Indian Grave Lookout is a well-documented stop along the Lolo Motorway on Forest Road 500, sitting at one of the higher points on the ridgeline with open views across the Bitterroot country. The site is named for a Nez Perce burial that Lewis and Clark noted when they passed through. There’s a former lookout site here, and the open ground makes it one of the best places to stop, glass the country, and get your bearings along this demanding route. Historically and scenically, it punches above its weight.

Access is strictly high-clearance 4WD — FR 500 is no joke, with rocky sections, narrow shelf road, and zero services along the way. The lookout area itself is open and exposed, which means wind and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast in summer. This is a dry stop — no water source. Carry extra fuel as well; the Motorway is long and isolated. Best window is mid-July through mid-September before fall weather shuts the ridge down.

Nez Perce grave site and Bitterroot panorama.