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db1960's avatar
db1960
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015

Elevation Change from Kettle Falls, WA to Sandpoint Idaho

Hello,
We are new to RVing this year having purchased a 27 ft. Kodiak by Vanguard Motorhome. We are heading out next weekend to travel through the Okanagan in BC Canada and were looking at returning to Alberta along WA-20E, US-2E and US-95N through Kettle Falls and Sandpoint. We are curious if anyone has travelled this route and if it is suitable for our rig - elevation changes, etc.
Any info would be appreciated - thanks.
D & K Baltimore

6 Replies

  • Paulj,
    Thanks for the info. You are correct about the Kootenay pass of which we have been through a couple of times with the Motorhome in the last couple of weeks - our daughter lives near the Nelway border crossing. That pass is 1775 meters whereas the Sherman pass is listed at 1699 meters - not a huge difference. The Salmo Creston is short with a quick elevation climb as well.

    D
  • WA20 crosses a ridge between Colville and Tiger (junction with WA31). I've been at both ends, but never crossed it (instead using a higher paved Forest Service road between Usk and Chewelah). It's not listed on WSDOT's list of passes. On Google Maps terrain view it looks like the climb from the west is gradual, with a shorter drop on the east side, about a 1000 ft with a few loops.

    The rest of 20 follows a river.

    Going around to the south (395 to 2 with some sort of cutoff) should be a bit lower, but also more 'urban'.

    How are you getting to Kettle Falls? US395 from Canada? From US97, Sherman Pass (between Republic and KF) is higher, in fact it is the highest of the WSDOT passes. Not that anyone has complained about grades, curves or drop offs. I'd put it in the same category as Kootenay Pass (BC3) which I suspect you are trying to bypass.
  • You guys are great - the elevation tool is very cool - thanks golfcart and pfidahospud - thank you for the tip on the route. Will definitely follow your advice.

    D
  • I've drive those roads without an RV. There isn't a significant elevation difference using Hwy 395 to Hwy 2 route. Don't be tempted to take Flowery Trail Pass East of Chewelah over 49° North Ski Area - that road (2902) isn't RV friendly. I would cut across at Loon Lake or Deer Park to Hwy 2 to avoid coming in to Spokane.

    Hope that helps!