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Missoula County began work in fall 2024 to make improvements to Riverside Park in Lolo. This will include reconstructing the trailheads stairs, rerouting portions of the trail to prevent erosion, paving and striping the parking lot, and restoring the vault toilet, among other improvements.
The park, located at 1794 Lakeside Drive, is one of the most popular parks owned by Missoula County and it serves as the primary river access point for the community of Lolo. Park amenities include walk-in river access to the Bitterroot River and a natural surface trail system.
In 2017, Missoula County Parks, Trails, and Open Lands staff worked with community members to envision a park enhancement project at Riverside Park. Initially, funding for the project proved difficult to secure but in 2023, Missoula County was awarded a Trail Stewardship Grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. This grant will help provide 90% of the funding for the park improvements, with the other 10% coming from county revenue.
The project will be broken into three phases to limit disruptions to park users and the nearby Lolo Sewer and Water Treatment Plant:
Schedule
Fall 2024 – Trail work conducted by Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) Completed
Reconstruction of trailhead stairs
Reroute sections of trail to avoid riverbank erosion
Clearing of fencing debris
Spring 2026 – Main trailhead work
Asphalt overlay and striping in the parking lot to increase parking efficiency
Removal of old bollards and replace with fencing where applicable
Installation of trailhead amenities like an entry sign, kiosk, bike rack, etc.
Vault toilet restoration
Late Summer/Fall 2026 – Complete remaining work (as funding allows)
Park benches and tables
Add additional interpretive panels
Add additional wayfinding signs
Complete any remaining trail work
Missoula County began work in fall 2024 to make improvements to Riverside Park in Lolo. This will include reconstructing the trailheads stairs, rerouting portions of the trail to prevent erosion, paving and striping the parking lot, and restoring the vault toilet, among other improvements.
The park, located at 1794 Lakeside Drive, is one of the most popular parks owned by Missoula County and it serves as the primary river access point for the community of Lolo. Park amenities include walk-in river access to the Bitterroot River and a natural surface trail system.
In 2017, Missoula County Parks, Trails, and Open Lands staff worked with community members to envision a park enhancement project at Riverside Park. Initially, funding for the project proved difficult to secure but in 2023, Missoula County was awarded a Trail Stewardship Grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. This grant will help provide 90% of the funding for the park improvements, with the other 10% coming from county revenue.
The project will be broken into three phases to limit disruptions to park users and the nearby Lolo Sewer and Water Treatment Plant:
Schedule
Fall 2024 – Trail work conducted by Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) Completed
Reconstruction of trailhead stairs
Reroute sections of trail to avoid riverbank erosion
Clearing of fencing debris
Spring 2026 – Main trailhead work
Asphalt overlay and striping in the parking lot to increase parking efficiency
Removal of old bollards and replace with fencing where applicable
Installation of trailhead amenities like an entry sign, kiosk, bike rack, etc.
Vault toilet restoration
Late Summer/Fall 2026 – Complete remaining work (as funding allows)
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Missoula County Parks, Trails and Recreation and Missoula County Public Works will begin work in spring 2026 to complete the following:
Reconstruct, pave and paint the main cul-de-sac lot and the overflow parking area.
Add ADA-accessible parking.
Add a concrete walkway to create a hardened trailhead and main access point to the trails. There will be no changes to the trail system.
Install a new entry sign and information kiosk
Add new post and rail fencing
Restore the current vault toilet
Construction is expected to start Monday, April 13 and last about two weeks. This date could change depending on weather and crew availability.
The parking areas will be closed to the public during construction. The trail system and park will remain open to walk-in traffic.
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The county commissioners approved a non-motorized public access easement agreement with two private landowners at an Oct. 8 public meeting, paving the way for a new trail connecting to the County's Lolo Riverside Park. This trail will provide residents and visitors with a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunity.
