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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
Seeking Advice
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    That is my favorite stretch of paved road in Idaho. Amazing scenery and history on that corridor. Read "Undaunted Courage" before your trip for the Lewis and Clark history.

    My TV and TT are over 50' long and it's not anywhere close to an issue. Many semi's use the road. The pull up to Lolo Pass is good one, but the corners limit speed more than the grade itself. There are passing lanes and it's not too long.

    I like staying at the Powell campground next to the Lochsa Lodge and walking up to the Lodge for a nightcap and huckleberry cheesecake. It's one of the few times I am excited to camp in a campground. I pulled my 50'+ setup thru the RV loop with ease.

    If you are heavy on extra time I highly recommend the walk into Weir Creek Hot Springs.
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2014
    Islandman wrote:
    Stop at the Visitor Center on Lolo Pass and also the DeVoto Cedar Grove on your way.


    X2 on the DeVoto Cedar Grove. It has been said that it was a favorite place that Bernard DeVoto wrote his abridged edition of The Journals of Lewis and Clark.

    It is one of my favorite places and back in the 60's the fishing was good in that area.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2014
    US 12 from Lewiston ID to Lolo MT is a great drive, have done it many times in both directions over the last 50 years. In fact it was just 50 years ago that the paving was completed on the last stretch near the old Lochsa Guard Station. There are several USFS CG's along the way, our favorites are Apgar and Wendover, but those are small for a big MH or TT's. Wildnerness Gateway CG is probably your best bet for larger units. The highway is in excellent shape, just take your time and enjoy the trip. Stop at the Visitor Center on Lolo Pass and also the DeVoto Cedar Grove on your way.
  • Bigdog's avatar
    Bigdog
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2014
    X2 on the scenery,Powell CG. Year we came thru in our 35' TT and 'Burb,it was a bit over 100 degrees and we took our web chairs down to the river and sat in it.
    Trivia fact. It took Lewis and Clark 13 days to go from Lochsa Pass to where Powell CG is. That's about a 15 minute drive if you don't have to dodge too many ATVs on the road.
  • Geocritter's avatar
    Geocritter
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2014
    Thanks all y'all for sharing your experience and insights with me. Like I stated earlier, this is a year long shake-down journey, for both the rig and for me. I feel better now.

    Steve
  • Murphsmom's avatar
    Murphsmom
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2014
    Despite a lot of whooping and hollering, they took those mega loads up over Highway 12. A motor home with a toad isn't near that size. Of course, they had to stop traffic at various points to let the loads pass. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. There are ample pullouts where you can let the lead foots pass.

    There are also RV parks in the Kamiah/Kooskia, Idaho area and some on the other side of the summit on the way to Lolo, Montana. There are several Forest Service campgrounds in between, but I couldn't tell you how large a rig they will accommodate.
  • jesseannie's avatar
    jesseannie
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2014
    It is a very dangerous road!!!!!!
    You will have a really hard time concentrating on the road because the scenery is so beautiful! Be really careful when driving along the Lochsa River the rising Cutthroat and Rainbow trout are extremely distracting.
    On a serious note, it is a great drive and you wont have any problem.
    jesseannie
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2014
    One of our all-time favorite CGs is Powell (NFS) CG on Lolo Pass. Since we were there (some 30 years ago), they have added a loop with hookups. We drove it towing a popup, so can't say how tough the pass would be in your rig, but I remember it being a good road as well. Just be sure the driver isn't rubbernecking too much!

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