Best route from Helena to St. Mary (East Glacier)

[ccjmt4]

We are heading to St. Mary KOA this summer. Using google it suggest heading north out of the Helena area on HWY 287. Following I 15 looks to add a few minutes, but about 40 miles. Any suggestions on which is the best (easiest) with a 35 ft TT? My wife likes the scenery, but if it's easier to stick to the interstate then I would. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

[ccjmt4]

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate the help.

Jim

[jgrimes]

The section of US 287 near Depuyer is a little dicey with a large trailer. You'll be okay if you take it easy and it is scenic. However, if you're looking for the easiest way (and still fairly scenic - look out the left window the whole way and you'll be staring at the Rocky Mtn Front the whole way), I'd suggest taking I-15 to exit #348, just north of Conrad. Take MT-44 through Valier and it'll dead end at US 89. Take it the rest of the way to Browning. It's all good highway and not heavily traveled. That's the way I'd pull my trailer.

[n7bsn]

Taking 287 north from Wolf Creek is not a bad way, but be aware you will skip lots of places with "services". There is just Augusta that way until you hook back with 89 at Choteau.

If you have anyone interested in Dinosaur's though, that is the way to go.
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center at Bynum
Old Trail Museum at Choteau

[mark1228]

oldcat1 wrote:
mthockeydad, so you're saying I15 to Wolf Creek then US287 to US89 to Browning? If I am understanding correctly it is the stretch of US89 from Browning to St. Mary that should be avoided pulling the TT?

I live in Helena and this route is the one I take with my 35' 5th wheel. You are understanding correctly after Browning. I have gone both ways and you can take US89 but it is slow. Pretty, but slow.

[Winged_One]

mthockeydad wrote:
Winged One, do you mean I15, not I35? AFAIK, I35 doesn't exist in MT!!

Whoopsie. Yup, I15. Sorry if I caused any confusion.


We didn't take 287 last year because it was under, from what we could make out from the Montana website, major construction at that time. Just be sure you check for construction, because you don't have many options once your on those roads to get out of the construction.

[oldcat1]

mthockeydad, so you're saying I15 to Wolf Creek then US287 to US89 to Browning? If I am understanding correctly it is the stretch of US89 from Browning to St. Mary that should be avoided pulling the TT?

[Not_a_Clue]

Yes, definitely Take 464 out of Browning. Up past St. Mary, it hooks up with 89. Then short trip back on 89 to St. Mary. Easy trip.

[mthockeydad]

Winged One, do you mean I15, not I35? AFAIK, I35 doesn't exist in MT!!


Helena on I15 to Wolf Creek, then US89 north to Browning. I agree with Winged One, take 464 north of Browning to St. Mary.



US89 south of St. Mary (and north to Many Glacier) is ABSOLUTELY worth the day trip in your TV.

[Winged_One]

Last summer we went up I-15, to US-2 west, to 89 north.

I-15 is pretty nice really. Then it gets kind of flat and boring, but easy.

US-2 was being "rocked", tar and pea gravel. Real nightmare. Check for construction on whatever roads you take and avoid the gravel roads!!

Do NOT take 89 north with that 35tt. We took 46 ft of trailers and it was a mistake. Switchbacks, skinny road. More nightmare.

Take 464 out of Browning. Up past St. Mary, it hooks up with 89. Then short trip back on 89 to St. Mary. Easy trip.

Maybe take 89 south out of St. Mary without the trailer for a nice scenic trip.

Where are you staying in St. Mary?