highway 12

During the summer this becomes a very popular route. It is 2 lanes, so unless you are the slow driver, you will be stuck behind someone every now and then. This is not a big deal as it is very scenic and a pleasant drive if you are in no rush. There will also be a lot of bicyclists on the route so keep that in mind. If driving the whole Hwy, it will take around 4 hours to drive between Lolo in Montana, to Lewiston in Idaho. What is nice about this drive is that most of it runs along a river. There are a couple campgrounds close to Lolo pass, as well as a few more on the Idaho side of the Hwy. There are no options to get food or fuel up, so do so before heading on to the highway.

Well kept 2-lane road, even in winter. Lots of turns - follows the river. Non-stop mountain scenery.

If you are in a hurry, this route isn't for you. Plan on taking your time, as this highway is a curvy 2 lane with few pullouts. A mile west of Lolo is the entrance to a small park and visitor center called Travelers Rest, where Lewis and Clark camped on their way to the Pacific. At the top of the pass 32 miles west of Lolo, there is a really nice and interesting visitors center and nice area to walk, bike or cross country ski. Driving west into Idaho is gorgeous, along the Lochsa River. Watch for kayakers when the water is running high. Several nice campground along this stretch, and when water is s little lower in summer, lots of inner tubers. Stop at Lochsa Lodge for good food. Perfect scenic and fun stretch for a motorcycle ride.

Traveling on this 2-lane highway beside the Lochsa River is a most scenic route. Between May and September stop at the historic old ranger station. Try a foot bridge across this very clear river. The mountains and trees make a beautiful backdrop. At Mile 104 there is a little 2 track road. It leads to where some Japanese Americans were held during WWII. There isn't much to see there, but it triggers the imagination. There are some stretches of road with few amenities, so be sure to fill up on gas and bring some snacks. The ranger station has clean bathrooms. If you have the time this is a worth-while byway that has historic ties to Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce.

Beautiful road to ride and many turns and great scenery... Awesome place to live, wish I could choose a spot for my cabin. I encourage all to come riding!

WE took this road on our road trip, towards the end of the day, I saw a sign at the top saying "turns for 99 miles" but being a bit tired I thought I was mistaken and doubted myself, after half a hour driving down hill, I thought it was an optical illusion, and the most made comment for the next hour was "am I in the twilight zone" or "are we still going downhill" we stayed in the Riverdance lodge at the bottom of the hill, a beautiful place with log cabins, I wished I saw this road in the day light !

This road was a dream to ride on, nice curves, no traffic just awesome riding. If you're in the area it a road you have to take.

This is a lovely road with many interesting places to visit. You learn something about the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as some of the history of the Nez Perce Indians. There is a small pleasant park at the Fort Fizzle location, great for a picnic. The road follows the river most of the way, and we also stopped at a couple of yard sales. Altogether, a great drive.

This road follows the route of Lewis and Clark when they crossed over the mountains to get to the west flowing rivers. It covers some difficult terrain and was first opened in the early 1960's. Goes through Lolo Pass where there is a ranger station and walking trails. The real beauty that we liked was access to side roads where we could explore the beautifully wooded and watered mountain passes where the wildlife hangs out.

This is an incredibly beautiful trip along the Lochsa River - very near the same route take by Lewis and Clark and the Corp of Discovery over 200 years ago. Not much has changed as you wind your way up this canyon that cyclists and motorcyclists travel hundreds of miles to experience. It is stunning, no matter how many times you have driven this way.

US Highway 12 is a very curvy and narrow road, only 2 lanes at best. My husband and I have taken trips from Aberdeen, Washington where this highway ends or begins, depending on how you would like to look at it. We particularly love taking highway 12 from Clarkston, Washington all the way to Lolo Pass, Montana. There are several turn outs for slow-moving vehicles. And if you want to appreciate this drive, 35mph might be the best speed to go. It is a scenic drive that crosses and runs through 3 rivers once you reached Idaho. These are Snake, Clearwater, and the Lochsa River which is ideal for anglers and whitewater rafters. It's a beautiful drive especially during Summer and Fall season. Spring can be pretty too if you like to see the more aggressive and sometimes scary rush of the river from the melting snow from the mountains.A word of caution for those who are in a hurry, early morning and dusk is the time when wild animals go to the river to drink water, then they cross the highway again to go back up the mountains. It can be pretty tricky driving at this time of the day.This is a long drive and my husband and I have camped several times in the past in some of the turnouts that have access to the water. It's very pleasant in the morning and if you bring your binoculars, you might spot some billy goats or big-horn sheep, if you're lucky.Along the way, in some small towns, you may find gas stations. Always check your gas because they are few and far between once you leave Clarkston. My husband and I have travelled this road so many times that we pack food and water just in case we get caught in the middle of nowhere and we're hungry. It's one of those drives where we stop a lot to just enjoy the view and the solitude.

I recently drove Highway 12 as part of a trip from Oregon to Montana. I had a great time winding along the river and crossing the Rockies through on a beautiful road. Unfortunately, I was driving a pickup truck. I would opt for something more sporty next time. Be sure your car is reliable, because you'll be far away from towns and out of cell service. Anyway, this is a wonderful, long drive and would recommend it for anyone.

We have ridden this route no less than 25 times and just got back yesterday from another. The colors and curves and people make this a must do. Must stop at Lolo Hot Springs, good food, and Lowell or 3 Rivers, c-store and a rest with some of the nicest people anywhere. We always stop on one of the secluded turnouts along the route and chill for an hour or two. Very relaxing.

This is not a fast route. This is a beatiful drive! Gas up before you go. Take the time to stop at the ranger stations and historical places. Packed a picnic lunch to enjoy halfway.

This space could be completely filled with accolades. Waterfalls, slow, narrow windy roads, in some spots, through one of the most rugged mountain ranges in North America. This is not a road you should drive if you are in a hurry to get somewhere. Slow down ! ! Stay at the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs. Relax......