Lolo Pass on Montana-Idaho border: curves next 99 miles
Usa, north-america
215 km
1,598 m
easy
Year-round
Lolo Pass, straddling the Montana and Idaho border, is a must-drive at 5,242 feet above sea level. This 134-mile stretch of Highway 12 (aka the Lewis and Clark Highway) from Lolo, Montana, to Kooskia, Idaho, carves its way through the stunning Bitterroot Range in the northern Rockies.
Get ready for a wild ride! This fully paved road is famous for its endless curves (you've probably seen the "Curves next 99 miles" sign!). While the road surface is excellent and traffic is usually light, don't get complacent. With few guardrails and services, plus some seriously sharp turns that sneak up on you, it demands your full attention. The speed limit hovers around 50 mph, and passing opportunities are limited, so settle in and enjoy the ride.
Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in. Expect breathtaking scenery, from lush meadows to towering mountain peaks and dense forests. You're basically retracing the steps of Lewis and Clark as you wind through this gorgeous part of the Rocky Mountains. This high mountain road is located in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and was completed in 1962.
Where is it?
Lolo Pass on Montana-Idaho border: curves next 99 miles is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 44.6933, -100.3764
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 215 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,598 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 44.6933, -100.3764
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is the road to Kebler Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Kebler Pass! It's a crazy beautiful mountain pass in Gunnison County, Colorado, topping out at 10,007 feet. The road, Gunnison County Road 12 (aka Kebler Pass Scenic Drive), is about 31.4 miles of mixed terrain, jumping from pavement to well-maintained gravel as you climb from Crested Butte to Somerset. Good news for almost everyone: you don't need a 4x4! The road's in great shape during the summer – a smooth dirt road most of the way, with some paved sections near the top. The slopes are gentle too. Heads up: it's a seasonal adventure! Kebler Pass usually closes from November to May because of snow. Give yourself about two hours to soak it all in. You'll be winding through Gunnison National Forest, surrounded by aspen forests, meadows, and lakes. If you can swing it, hit this road in the fall – the aspen leaves explode in colors.
hardA steep unpaved road to the summit of Wolf S3
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in British Columbia and craving a serious off-road adventure, you HAVE to check out Wolf S3! Nestled way up in the Selkirk Mountains, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 2,164 meters (that's 7,099 feet for my American friends!). Forget pavement – this 4.2 km (2.6 mile) climb is all about the rugged, unadulterated dirt. And when I say climb, I mean it! You're gaining 650 meters, battling an average gradient of over 15%, and tackling 10 hairpin turns that will make your palms sweat. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in winter. Also, keep an eye out for rock slides, and be prepared for some seriously muddy conditions if it's been raining. But the views? Oh man, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment! Get ready for some serious bragging rights and epic photo opportunities.
hardMount Baker Highway is an extraordinary day trip in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip on the Mount Baker Highway in Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest! This epic drive, also known as Washington State Route 542, stretches 57 miles (92km) from the I-5 interchange in Bellingham (just north of Seattle) all the way to Artist Point, perched at 5,140 feet (1,566m). Originally built in 1893 for the logging industry, this fully paved route hugs the stunning North Fork Nooksack River. The last few switchbacks are a real test, offering a glimpse of the climb ahead that will either intimidate or inspire you! Be prepared: services like gas and food are scarce past Glacier (Mile 33). Factor in about two hours of driving time without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The scenery is simply breathtaking, making it an ideal day trip. You'll find yourself winding along the river, surrounded by some of the most incredible views in the country. The reward at the end? Artist Point, boasting 360-degree panoramas of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, plus a bunch of cool trails to explore. Just a heads up: Artist Point is usually closed from October to July due to crazy weather. In winter, the road ends at the Mount Baker Ski Area (Mile 55), famous for its record-breaking snowfall. The road to Artist Point generally reopens in July, but closes again with the first heavy snowfall, usually around late September or early October. So plan your trip accordingly for the best experience!
moderateThe Road to Maligne Lake in Alberta is Well Worth the Drive
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're in Alberta, Canada, ready to explore Jasper National Park. Buckle up, because Maligne Lake Road is calling your name! This fully paved beauty winds its way up to Maligne Lake, a high-altitude gem sitting pretty at 5,610 feet. Maligne Lake itself is a showstopper. At 22 kilometers long, it's one of the largest glacier-fed lakes *in the world*. Seriously, the water color is unreal, and you'll spot three glaciers clinging to the surrounding peaks. Oh, and don't forget Spirit Island, that iconic little islet you've probably seen in a million photos! The drive? Let's just say it's 43.6 kilometers of pure Canadian Rockies magic. Starting north of Jasper from the Trans-Canada Highway, you'll climb and curve through a landscape of snow-capped mountains. It's a bit of a challenging drive, but trust me, the views are worth it. Keep your eyes peeled, especially around Medicine Lake – you might just spot some bighorn sheep hanging out. Get ready for a road trip you won't soon forget!