Missoula, MT to Columbia Falls and W Glacier

[ggimlick]

Looks like rt 93, 35 and 206 according to the planner. Will be dragging a 26’ travel trailer and am wondering is anyone has traveled that route.

Also considering taking rte 2 across to the east when we leave.

Thoughts?

[JCK]

We took Rt. 2 from Michigan to Glacier in 2017. Was a good road and some of it is four lane. For the most part flat and decent scenery. I don’t remember which state but it had many lakes very pretty.

[bobsallyh]

Maybe a native Flatheader will respond with the dates. It does seem like the latter part of July or beginning of August. They are to die for and don't last long. The problem with 35 is that there are cheery sales shacks on 35, they have virtually no parking, heavy traffic, so you know what this leads too. Sort of like folks doing yard sales.

[ggimlick]

When is cherry season? We'll be there the first of August for a couple weeks.

[bobsallyh]

Just don't take 35 during cherry season.

[ggimlick]

Thank you for great info! I was hoping folks were still looking at the forums, some don’t show much action now.

I’ve been on that I-70 route you mentioned, but we had the Super-C at the time.

Will check out Jim & Marys, thanks.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

We did west side in late Aug 2017. Nice drive.

Jim & Mary's RV in Missoula lived up to all the great reviews.

As far as US-2 EAST from Glacier - Marias Pass is the easiest grade across the Montana Mountains according to the railroads.

The grade from Butte over the Continental Divide on I-90 east bound was steep, but not horrible. Better than I-70 from Green River, UT to the top of Capitol Reef.

Outside of Butte, I did slow to about 45 on the upgrade, but I was far from the slowest vehicle climbing that grade at the time.

[ggimlick]

2021 Update -

Well, the trip in 2020 got cancelled for all the obvious Covid reasons, but with vaccinations and things looking slightly better, we're going to try it this year.

So...anyone know of any changes we'd need to make? I'm still questioning whether to go up the east side of Flathead Lake on 35 or up 93 on the west.

[ggimlick]

This is great information, I appreciate everyone pitching in with experience. DW is feeling better about the plan now.

Thanks again!

[bobsallyh]

Rt. 35 is doable but many vehicles turning right and left. Don't use it during cherry season! US 93 is better but heavily traveled.

[Jayco-noslide]

From IL. we've done probably all of those routes both with a 25 ft. 5th wheel and a 30 ft. MH towing a car. Don't remember any issues. We worked at West Glacier 4 summers and lived in our RV. It's our favorite place in the country. Although that part of MT. is very mountainous and scenic, there are not too many steep grades or even high altitude. Also have taken US 2 many times from Duluth all the way. Great route. No steep grades east of Glacier NP and just enough towns to get services. Way more interesting than interstate.

[hornet28]

Taking 35 at Polson is a little slower going than staying on 93 but is very doable. We were just through there in June with our 28' 5er. Been awhile since I was on 206 and that was with a 34' bumper pull. Road at that time was fine.

[BarabooBob]

We have taken that route many times in both a Class C and pulling a TT with our F150. The area is beautiful and it is an easy drive. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and have fun.
You need to make sure to use your transmission when descending any steep hill, no matter where you are. Keep your speed down, downshift, use the motor to go slow. The Big Horns, or any big hill are not bad if you do that.

[ggimlick]

bukhrn wrote:
That's the way we went with our 29' class C w/dolly & toad, not bad at all.

Great, that'll make the boss feel better 🙂 I think she trusted the Super C we used to have more than towing the trailer. A trip down the Bighorn Mtns a few years ago had her pretty spooked.

[bukhrn]

"Looks like rt 93, 35 and 206 according to the planner."
That's the way we went with our 29' class C w/dolly & toad, not bad at all.