Walla Walla to Missoula. I-90 or Hwy 12?

[PNW_Steve]

Hey Everyone,

I am looking at a quick jaunt over to Missoula with a stop in the Walla Walla area.

Leaving Walla Walla I can bounce up to Spokane and catch I-90 over or just hang on Hwy 12.

I have never driven Hwy 12 over that stretch. I will be pulling my smaller 5er.

Any thoughts on which route would make for the more enjoyable trip?

Thanks.

Steve.

[TUCQUALA]

As others have stated, 12 is curvy. In some areas, very curvy!!! Heading east most of the views and "edges" will be on the passenger side. And if you have a nervous passenger, as I do, they will have a "great" time!!

Just came back from Montana on 12. Road is very good (resurfaced) for about half of the way, with areas to the east of Wilderness Gateway having a fair amount of pavement spalling. No great chuckholes, just a lot of missing top surface. Still a great drive. Depending on day of week, look out for the motorcyclists running the highway at over the 55 limit!!!!

As to I90, they have been working on Lookout Pass and it has been restricted to one lane, which is fun when you are behind a "triple" and can't pass. I would definitely check the WADOT site for info if you want to go that way.

Living in Kennewick, with relatives near Missoula, I can tell you that the distance from home to Lolo junction is almost exactly the same on either route.

The backroads from 12 to Dusty and Colfax are good roads, scenic drylands, but don't see any advantage to using them. Only reason would be to head NE to connect with I90, adding more time and mileage to your trip. Just my opinion.

[paulj]

Can't you take state highways between US12 and US195, e.g Dodge to Dusty to Colfax? I've driven a bit on 127, just as side trip to see its river crossing. Mostly I've heading Seattle to Lewiston, and taken Washtucna to Starbuck etc. In this area, any time you cross or approach the Snake River you'll have some grades.

[john_bet]

Depends how big a hurry you are in. Big hurry go I-90. If not then 12. We used 12 from Kooskia,ID in '14, but we were not in a hurry. Yes to scenic and curvy. We pulled the pass with our signature rig without crawling. Very little traffic, only saw and passed one log truck. That day there was no other RV's on the road. Enjoy.

[obgraham]

12 is the way to go. Lolo Pass route is much more scenic. It's pretty curvy, but the road surface is good and mostly wide. Lots of RV's run it easily. I-90 is, well, an Interstate!

Besides, you have to stay on 12 from Walla2 to Lewiston anyway before heading to Spokane, so may as well just keep on going.

[Murphsmom]

Definitely 12. If you are planning an overnight, the Wilderness Gateway Campground is a nice place to stay.
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/wilderness-gateway/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId...

[rv2go]

enblethen wrote:
No question in my mind! US 12!

x2 I think you will enjoy US 12.

[agesilaus]

enblethen wrote:
No question in my mind! US 12!

Ditto very scenic...

[enblethen]

No question in my mind! US 12!