Lolo Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lolo Peak |
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Looking south at Lolo Peak from US 12 in 2009
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 9,143 ft (2,787 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 739 ft (225 m) |
| Geography | |
 Lolo Peak
Location in Montana
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| Parent range | Bitterroot Range Rocky Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Carlton Lake |
Lolo Peak is a tall mountain in the western United States. It stands at 9,143 feet (2,787 m) high. This peak is part of the northern Rocky Mountains. You can find it in the Bitterroot Range of western Montana. It is located in Missoula County, just southwest of the city of Missoula.
If you are east of Lolo Pass near the Idaho border, you can see Lolo Peak to the south. It is visible from US 12. This highway runs between the pass and Traveler's Rest in the town of Lolo.
The Story Behind Lolo Peak's Name
The name "Lolo" has an interesting past. It probably came from "Lou-Lou." This was how people pronounced "Lawrence," a French-Canadian fur trapper. He was sadly killed by a grizzly bear and buried at a place called Grave Creek.
First Written Records
The first time "Lolo" was written down was in 1831. A fur trader named John Work worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. He wrote about "Lou Lou Creek" in his journal.
How the Name Changed
Later, in 1853, a railroad survey and map were made. Lieutenant John Mullan spelled the creek and a trail as "Lou Lou." But by 1865, the name became shorter. It changed to "Lolo." Today, "Lolo" is used for many things in west-central Montana. This includes a national forest, a town, a creek, this mountain peak, a mountain pass, and a historic trail.
