Winding Road Next 99 Miles (Lolo)

[sodbuster]

Hello - Don't know if this has ever been posted here but I'm guessing there's at least a few wondering where this spot is .... thought I would share what I know. I haven't been on here much last few years but I do pop in once in a while.
This sign is about 1-1/2 miles west of Lolo Pass (Idaho/Montana border) - Coordinates are shown below ....
Picture was taken in 2010

[joecoolsuncle]

we got so much of that here, they dont bother labeling them. they dont even bother with guard rails! lol

[Whiskerfish]

It is on the list! Been trying to make it happen for 3 years now. I Hope 2024 will be the year!!

[sodbuster]

It is on the list! Been trying to make it happen for 3 years now. I Hope 2024 will be the year!!

This is the route I took. It is absolutely breathtaking. Goes around the "Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness" ....the largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48. Hundreds of miles thru mountains along rivers. A must do ride. I was out there again in 2021

[Rat]

So many rides … so little time …

Gord

[digger]

Thanks Sodbuster, this will have to go on my bucket list, I have a few rides on there to do already. Life is getting in the way right now, but the spirit is willing, and the road is calling.

[Whiskerfish]

Looking at doing it with the WIfe in conjunction with our Glacier NP trip in 2024. Too late to get reservations now. Plan is to leave Missoula and go down to Elk City and spend the night then return to Missoula the next day before heading up to the park.

Lolo pass ride.jpg

[sodbuster]

Word of caution if either of you are squeamish about heights. Going from east to west (Browning to West Glacier) will put you on the "inside" rather than the "outside". Some spots have no guard rails and straight down from the road. Can be a little intimidating. The wife was appreciative of that fact when we went thru. Just saying ....

[dontwantapickle]

Sounds like a fun trip.

I used to live in Orofino (right on Hwy. 12) and have ridden Lolo Pass many times.
It's a great ride along the Clearwater river.
Elk city is not really a city, more of a settlement of cabins. It's pretty remote.

[Whiskerfish]

Word of caution if either of you are squeamish about heights. Going from east to west (Browning to West Glacier) will put you on the "inside" rather than the "outside". Some spots have no guard rails and straight down from the road. Can be a little intimidating. The wife was appreciative of that fact when we went thru. Just saying ....

A few years back on the Oregon Run I ran into a road like that. I think it was State Road 66 off I5 toward Klamath Falls. Definitely intimidating and it took a bit to get used to.

With the traffic stories I have been reading about inside the park I will probably rent a car for those days.

[sodbuster]

One notable road that will make your dooda pucker is HWY 550 ( a.k.a. the "Million Dollar Hwy") south of Ouray going to Silverton (Colorado). If you head south from Ouray you will be on the "outside" dealing with this ....

[sodbuster]

Here's what HWY 12 looks like in that 99 mile stretch .... kinda like a Northern Deals Gap

[Whiskerfish]

SNIP
Elk city is not really a city, more of a settlement of cabins. It's pretty remote.

I see that. So long as I can get a bed and a sammich it is all part of the adventure

[Sagebrush]

Hwy 12 is full of "sweepers" Deal's Gap has much tighter radius turns. Hwy 12 is relaxing Deal's Gap not so much. Although I did see a bull moose along Hwy 12. Never spotted one on The Dragon (Thank God!)

Western Hwy 12 sign.

DSCF0151.JPG

If you want to treat yourself stay on Hwy 12 to Orofino, ID and stay at the Best Western Lodge At River's Edge. Nice hotel, on a scenic salmon river. Has its own restaurant and when we stayed complementary wine and cheese from 4 to 5pm. Excellent ride there and back from Missoula.

[Brant]

Hey since we're posting pics...