[2] The community lies within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests at an elevation of 1,486 feet (453 m) above sea level,[3] and was named after Henry Lowell, its first postmaster.

[4] U.S. Route 12 is the only major highway to serve the community,[2] and occupies the north bank of the Lochsa (and Clearwater).

Lowell is between the three rivers, and is accessed by a bridge over the terminus of the Lochsa on Selway Road.

The site of the Kooskia Internment Camp (1943–45) is about 6 miles (10 km) upstream of Lowell on U.S. 12, on the north bank of the Lochsa River.

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F.