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Geocritter's avatar
Geocritter
Explorer
Jul 12, 2014

What should I know about Hwy 12 through Idaho?

I have a question for those “been there done that” folks here. Come early September I’ll be heading east to South Dakota from Port Angeles WA. For various reasons I want to cut down though Washington and catch Hwy 12 across Idaho to I-90. I drove that stretch of Hwy 12 back in 1998 when my son and I were returning to Illinois from a Washington State mountaineering adventure. My problem is I wasn’t viewing the road through the eyes of a guy driving his 33’ home-on-wheels with his toad hooked to the rear. I looked it over on aerial photos and while I could see some rapids in the adjacent river I didn’t see much else that might indicate any long steep topography or switchbacks. I seem to remember that the entire road was paved and somewhere on it is a Forest Service campground. I do remember it being a very beautiful drive. So far on my Grand Western North American Tour and shakedown-journey, I’ve driven over California’s Tejon Pass with no problems, as well as some interesting grades on I-5 and Hwy 97 north of Redding without problems. However, I do remember Hwy 12 through Idaho can be a pretty lonely stretch of road. Is there anything I'm missing that might be a problem driving the behemoth?

Steve
  • Several campgrounds. One near Orifino, ID has hookups and dump station. Others farther east have no hook ups.
    As you get close to Lolo Pass there is a good climb. Nothing to be overly concerned.
    Highway follows the river so it snakes along it with lots of curves. There is now numerous pullouts for scenic looks and let traffic by.
    Good time to go. Trees should be changing color. Normally anyway!
  • I have done 12 in the opposite direction twice in a 36’ motorhome pulling a toad. We traveled from Montana to the Columbia River, and then followed the Columbia to Portland. We enjoyed every minute of it. The road is good. Don’t be afraid.

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