Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "This Picture was taken riding up the 145 side of the route."
Motorcycle
Road Scenery:
This
route covers one of the most beautiful sections of the
Lewis & Clark Trail as it winds through the Rocky Mountains
of Idaho and Montana. As you ride through the Lolo national
forest, look for whitewater rafts on the Locsha and Selway
rivers. You'll also see numerous steaming hot springs flowing
down the hills along the way. Watch out for deer and mountain
goats crossing the highway at random intervals.
Photo contributed by visitor in July 09: "Rainy morning ride on US12 Eastbound before Lowell "
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
You
have all seen the photos of the sign that says "Curves next
67 miles...This is the road! One of the best motorcycle
roads in the country with lots of sweeping curves and a
few tight ones. There is little traffic and excellent road
surfaces. A rock solid 5 … 5 plus is more like it!
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
Sorry...
The same sign that says Curves ahead says no services
next 75 miles. Make sure you fill up in Kooskia
or in Lolo before entering this highway because there's
nothing but trees, rivers and twisty roads for lots of miles!
At the eastern end of the road, try KT's Hayloft in Lolo,
MT (Intersection of Hwy 12 and Hwy 93) for breakfast!
Directions:
The
directions for this route are very straightforward. Simply
start in Lewiston,
Idaho on US Highway 12 and take it east all the way
to Missoula, Montana (or in the reverse if you want to start
in Montana). You'll basically be cutting across the entire
width of Idaho.
Additional
Information:
-
View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo
weather.
May 2009, 23 miles of road construction east from Lowell with gravel humps, and no warning of end of pavement in the east bound lane. There’s tons of traffic from river rafters and this year a new and exciting obstacle, Canadian attack geese that like motorcycles. Every year Hwy 12 is a majestic and surprising ride that will surely get your adrenalin going one way or the other. I highly recommend this ride!
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 210 days ago
Aug 2008 over the going to the sun hwy pass flathead lake (breath taking) through lolo pass to lewiston ID, stop in at the loscha lodge (stay there if possible a slice of heaven). Not to be missed, one of my favorite places.
This user rated the route: 8 out of 10
Posted 252 days ago
Rode this in 08 the weather was great, temp 90 degrees. The views are great and the pavement was good, the only down side is no gas along the way. I would ride it again.
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10
Posted 427 days ago
June 2009, despite construction near Lowell, and light rain when I went through there, it's still a magnificent road. Good pavement, excellent scenery, well marked curves. Good lunch at the Loscha Lodge just West of the summit, it's off the road a bit so watch for the sign.
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 8 days ago
A must ride. We rode from MT into ID midweek with very little traffic. What a ride. This was during a 2,000 mile week long ride and this was our favorite section of the week. If you enjoy big sweeping curves on perfect road surface along a very scenic wild river for miles and miles, then this is for you. Lowell is a great place to stop near west end. Good food, gas and choices to camp or rent a cabin across the road. Very little straight sections on this road. You can really get into a groove. Cant wait to go back.
This user rated the route: 10 out of 10
Posted 75 days ago
The road teases you, starting with gentle sweeping turn, building you confidence and urging you faster. The scenery, the curves, and good road surface continue relentlessly. As your endurance wanes some turns have closing a radius. I had the time of my life riding Lolo pass. A stop at Lodge near the top of the pass is great to a quick bite and fuel before heading back down.
Everybody rider should have the joy of riding Lolo pass at least once in their life.
Go early in the day before the revenuers (law enforcement) give you a performance award.
This user rated the route: 4 out of 10
Posted 12 days ago
67 miles of switchbacks with 100 degree temps gets old really fast,I dont mind curves,it got very tedious after awhile,believe me I am no novice,I wouldnt do it again in hot weather!
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10
Posted 368 days ago
One of the best! All the way from Lolo to Lewiston or Grangeville. The highway construction get a bit, but that keeps the road in good shape. You can get gas at Lowell .
