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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Big_Mike
July 27, 2020
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Have now ridden this 4 times in total, twice west to east and twice east to west. If I had to choose my preferred direction it would probably be west to east as that side of the road is next to the river. But really it doesn't much matter so long as you RIDE THIS ROUTE! My last trip (east to west) this summer, 2020 was glorious as Montana had us stopped near the top of the pass and I only had one 4 wheeler in front of me. I was around it in seconds and literally rode nearly the entire stretch from the border of ID and MT to Kooskia with no one in front of me. Generally I get pissed at the endless road construction in Montana, but this time I gotta tip my hat because they set me up for one of the better riding days anyone could ask for.
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Guest
August 22, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
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!
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IdahoRider
August 1, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Easily one of the best rides. Love the curves on this route. There are a lot of variations that one can add toe this route such as heading north out of Missoula for some awesome mountain views, or heading south down to Idaho (Salmon, Stanley, Garden Valley)or south in Idaho (to Whitebird Pass, Riggins, McCall).
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