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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IdahoRenegade
August 5, 2019
3 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I have traveled many of the best motorcycle roads in the country. Highway 12 is my favorite as a rider. Others are more spectacular with long range views, or tighter, more challenging curves. But this one is just...pleasant. 100 miles of nice, fairly fast sweeping turns, one after the other. Minimal traffic and following the Clearwater River most of the way. There are a lot of places to stop and soak in the serenity and relax (including a couple of hot springs). And no huge cliffs/pucker factor places along the route. Just a great ride.

I recommend a stop at Lochsa Lodge for a meal (or better yet, get a room and spend the night). Great old log-cabin construction, with good food at a reasonable price (though rooms are a bit pricey).
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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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