Lolo Motorway — Nez Perce Trail from Powell to Weippe via Lolo Pass and FR 500
Lewis and Clark's worst nightmare. Now yours.
The Lolo Motorway (Forest Road 500) runs the spine of the Bitterroot Range along the same route the Nez Perce used for centuries before Lewis and Clark nearly starved to death on it in 1805. The Corps of Discovery were reduced to eating their own horses by the time they stumbled out the western end — modern rigs face a different version of the same punishment: 100-plus miles of narrow, eroded ridge-top trail through dense Idaho wilderness, with sustained grades, downed timber hazards, sheer drop-offs, and an average elevation above 6,000 feet. Key waypoints include Lolo Pass at the Montana-Idaho border, Weitas Meadows, and the historic Smoking Place where the Nez Perce performed ceremonies on the route. Views across the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on clear days are otherworldly.
The motorway is difficult — not because of individual obstacles but because of sustained remoteness and the cumulative beating the road delivers over a full day or more of driving. A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage it when dry, but skid plates, all-terrain tyres, and a full recovery kit are mandatory. The window is narrow: typically late July through September, and some years it does not open until August due to snowpack. Expect zero cell service the entire route. Fuel in Powell or Lowell before you go — there is nothing on the ridge. USFS manages the road; check Clearwater National Forest for current road conditions and any fire-season closures before departure.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 103 mi / 165.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7033 ft |
| Best season | Late July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Kooskia, Idaho |
| Land manager | Clearwater National Forest, USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Clearwater NF Lolo Motorway page Clearwater National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle the Lolo Motorway, or do I need a built rig?
A stock 4WD with decent ground clearance and skid plates can make it, but this trail is 103 miles of rough, rocky, ridge-top two-track that will punish soft tires and unprotected undercarriages. A lift isn't required, but all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a full-size spare (or two) are non-negotiable. Built rigs will have a better time.
When does FR 500 actually open, and is snow a real concern?
The Lolo Motorway typically doesn't open until late July due to snowpack at elevation — 7,000+ feet means lingering snow well into summer. September is the window's other edge; early fall storms can close it fast. Check with Clearwater National Forest before you go, because driving up to a snow-blocked gate 50 miles in is a bad day.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive the Lolo Motorway?
No permit is currently required to drive FR 500, and there's no fee to access the route. Dispersed camping along the motorway is free under standard Clearwater National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit applies. Always confirm current conditions and any temporary closures with the Clearwater NF before departure.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect?
The worst sections are the steep, loose, off-camber climbs and descents on the eastern end near Lolo Pass — narrow shelf road with no guardrails and significant exposure. The entire ridge is rocky and eroded, with some sections requiring careful line choice to protect your undercarriage. There's no easy bailout mid-route, so if something breaks, you're dealing with it in the backcountry.
Is there any water or fuel along the route, or do I need to carry everything?
There is zero fuel along the 103-mile route — top off in Missoula or Kooskia before you start. Water sources exist (springs and streams), but cell service is completely absent the entire way, so filter everything and carry more than you think you need. Plan your fuel range conservatively; low-range crawling burns more than highway driving.
Trail track
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