Overall Route Rating
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4.64 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.64
45 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Aug 31, 2004

Rider Reviews

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Waigirl
December 27, 2014
After 5 years of yearly road trips I can still…
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StarRider
2 McR Points
September 1, 2014
Very accurate description of the Hwy. 12 ride. I'…
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Written 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.

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.

Drive Enjoyment

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!

Tourism Opportunities

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!

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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kilzum
February 20, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Took this ride from Missoula to Boise almost 30 years ago. At that time, the sign at the Idaho border only said curves for next 76 miles. The best ride I have ever taken. The curves are sweeping, the river is beautiful. Just a fantastic ride. I am going to do it one more time this coming May from Salem OR to Missoula and back. It's a different ride going both ways from what they tell me. It's on my bucket list.
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Big_Mike
December 12, 2019
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Reviewed this in the Montana section but bears repeating in the Idaho section.......one of my all-time favorite roads to ride. I've done it twice west to east and once east to west. Very limited access to this road makes it a true gem.
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I found this, by accident, a few years ago. It is one of my favorite roads. Highway 12. This follows the Lewis and Clark expedition and has plenty of markers for the history buffs. The road is well maintained. Good pavement. Two lane all the way. Plenty of campgrounds along the way, primitive National Forest type. The river is pristine and one of the few remaining unspoiled and unregulated (no dams) left in the US. The road crosses over it several times. Absolutely beautiful scenery, views and riding. You can go as fast as you like. Lightly traveled. Top your tank because it is about 130 miles between fuel stations. And pack food because there is nothing for about 100 miles. Before you go all the way into Lewiston, stop in Kooskia to top off your tank and grab a bite, if they are open. That's the 130 mile stop. The (as in the one and only) gas station has 24 hr pay at the pump, if it is open. Otherwise your next chance is Orofino. which is another 30 miles further west. But, i digress. This is an incredible road to ride. You will smile the whole time, the whole way. a definite bucket list
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