Idaho Route 12

[oldcat1]

We will be driving from Lewiston, ID to Missoula, MT. The shortest route is Hwy 12. Is this a good route, or is it better to take Hwy 95 up to I95? GMC 2500HD 6.0 with 25 foot TT. Thanks!

[crabbin_cabin]

My future father-in law taught me to fly fish on the Lochsa River - long before #12 was pushed thru' - and we fished together for several years after my wedding - until he died. When they opened the highway - what a wonderful trip but the fishing sure did suffer from all the tourists!

[Bruce_and_Sue]

What Islandman said! And I'd add Wilderness Gateway and Powell Campgrounds to his list. Of note, Powell has electric service in one loop that was recently upgraded. And, yeah, I have to repeat -- Beautiful drive, love it!!!

[Islandman]

US 12 in northern Idaho along the Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers is one of the most scenic highways you will ever drive. From Lewiston east to Kamiah there is some traffic, not really all that much though. From Kamiah east to the MT/ID border at Lolo Pass is where you'll fall in love with nature again. Just take it easy, pull over on the pullouts once in awhile to let vehicles following you get around, watch for bicycles on the curves, and enjoy the trip. There are some good USFS campgrounds along the way, two of our favorites are Wendover and Apgar, but Apgar can be a little tight for big rigs. Have been driving this route off and on since the paving was completed 50 years ago this summer. Stop at the Visitor Center at Lolo Pass. Another good park to spend a night is in Lewiston: Hells Canyon SP along the Snake River not far from the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Some good blackberry picking around MP 102 or thereabouts. US 12 is defintely the way to go to Missoula from Lewiston, forget I-90 (too much traffic and nothing to enjoy).

[ramyankee]

Two answers.....

YES!
and
Can you spell B E A U T I F U L?

[Ron8877]

I would also say the visitor center at Lolo Pass is pretty good. The only time we went over Lolo Pass we didn't quite make it to the top when the mh died. Beautiful area.
Ron

[2gypsies1]

We've driven it with our 40' MH. As stated, it's full of curves because of following the river but easily done. If you have a choice, try to drive it during the week. It's a very popular road for campgrounds, fishing, boating, etc. and the weekend is full of adventurers! Have a good trip.

[oldcat1]

Thanks all. I will take it slow and watch for bicycles. This will be our first time to visit Glacier Park and we are looking forward to it!

[newk]

agesilaus wrote:
It is a very scenic route, it follows a while water river quite aways. It does have some grades but I don't recall them as being extreme. The road itself is fine.

You'll likely see kayakers in the river and bicyclists on the road.

BK

BICYCLISTS ON THE ROAD. I had to repeat that, as I nearly wiped out a couple on my last trip across there. In many if not most places on the road, shoulders are narrow to non-existent. I started out early one morning, heading up a grade. I'd already decided, at the urging of my wife, to take it slow. Lucky agreement for those two bikers I nearly hit. They were on the edge of the road as far as they could get but only traveling at maybe 5 mph, so my 35 mph around a 40 mph curve gave me a fairly fast closing speed, and just as I saw them I saw the oncoming truck hugging the center stripe. I had nowhere to go so slammed on the brakes -- locked 'em up. It made a mess of the camper as everything on the counter, including a birthday cake, met the floor.

It's a nice road - very scenic. I've traveled it many times, both in a car and truck-camper, but do keep your speed down around those curves, as it is a popular road for bicyclers, and they'll often be in the traffic lanes because there is very little shoulder.

[paulj]

Yes and yes. Though the answer to the 2nd question depends on what your 'better' criteria are.

[gjwarneke]

Beautiful route..just did this hwy 2 weeks ago from Mt to Wa. Don't be in a hurry. You will most likely average 40mph the whole trip...real curvy.
We were not towing but did have our F350 DH was very tired after 200 miles of curves and we will not be towing our 40 footer through there.
Go slow be safe.

[jesseannie]

Gorgeous route! I have traveled it with my 1/2 ton towing a trailer. I would recommend it.
The only problem you will have is keeping your eyes on the road and not on the scenery.
jesseannie

[agesilaus]

It is a very scenic route, it follows a while water river quite aways. It does have some grades but I don't recall them as being extreme. The road itself is fine.

You'll likely see kayakers in the river and bicyclists on the road.

BK