Skip to main content
Overview Service & Activities
Overview Service & Activities
About Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area parallels the historic Lolo trail once used by the Nez Perce, Salish and Kootenai tribes and Lewis and Clark. Lewis and Clark's westbound expedition followed Lolo Creek on September 11-20, 1805, and again on June 24-30, 1806, when they revisited the area on their way home. Facilities included interpretive signs and accessible trail to fishing access. Restrooms and picnic facilities are also wheelchair accessible. Bring your own water. No fees required for this picnic area, however reservations for groups of 20 or more required call 406-329-3814. Fort Fizzle is a wooden barricade on the Lolo Trail erected by Missoula volunteers led by Captain Rawn to stop the advance of Chief Joseph during the Nez Perce war. Captain Rawn had clear orders. He said the Nez Perce could not pass; however, the barricade failed when the Nez Perce, with their horses and possessions, climbed a steep ravine behind the ridge to the north and bypassed the soldiers. This maneuver earned White Bird the nickname of the "Indian Hannibal" and the previously unnamed barricade became a ridiculed "Fort Fizzle."
Contact
MAILING ADDRESS 24 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
CONTACT 406-329-3814
Details
SEASON All Year
HOURS Gates open from Memorial Day - Labor Day Walk-in: All Year, please keep gate area unblocked
RESERVATIONS Group Reservations Required, Walk-Ins Welcome
SPECIAL DIRECTIONS 4.5 miles west of Lolo. Double-lane paved road along Lolo Creek.
SERVICES Handicapped Accessible Public Restroom Unescorted Tour
ACTIVITIES History

See what's nearby

Filter:
Show All
Where To Stay
Things To Do
Food And Drink
Grid View
List View

102 on Catlin

Condominium
Missoula, MT

5th Street Guest House

Vacation Home
Missoula

8th Floor Wilma Condo

Condominium
Missoula, MT

A Carousel for Missoula

Amusement
Missoula, MT

Adventure Cycling Association

Bike Guide
Missoula, MT

Adventure Missoula

Whitewater Rafting Guide
Alberton, MT

Alamo/National Car Rental

Car Rental
Missoula, MT

Albert Point Trail

National Forest Trail
Huson

Alberton Farmer’s Market

Farmers Market
Alberton, MT