Day sixty seven, missoula montana to Lewiston, idaho

Route 12 Idaho is one of my favourite rides in the USA, we rode it in 2016 and I just love the peaceful, relaxed environment this ride is all about. WTF is Route 12 Idaho I hear you ask?

OK, we wanted to ride from Missoula to Lewiston, yes you could take the interstate up to Coeur d’Alene then drop down the 95, but you would miss one of the best rides in Idaho.

We left Missoula in light rain sadly, which tended to tweak the sphincter muscle ever so slightly given two bikes, including mine, were sporting brand new tyres, brand new tyres and rain do not go hand in hand.

South of Missoula we turned west on the 12 and gently climbed over the LOLO Pass in the rain on our new tyres. Low and behold, just past Lochsa Lodge, our came the sun and away went the rain, so we were in our happy place.

Now LoLo to Lewiston is 209 miles, yes about 320 kms and all of this is in river valleys where the road hugs the river and for the first 160 kms to Kooskia, the valley sides are just covered in trees. The sweepers are as gentle as the curves of the river, this is just heaven on a motorcycle. Posted a couple pics but hard to describe what a neat ride this is.

160 kms of this means it was a a bite to eat in Kooskia before takling the last 100 kms to Lewiston, again in the river valley but with slightly different scenery. ( We actually did a wee diversion loop up through Wieppe and Pierce, dropping back to pick up the river again at Orofino).

All in all a spectacular days riding, we have spoken to locals who cruise around in motor homes, believe it or not some of them have never heard of the Idaho 12. Everyone must drive or ride this route, it is spectacular, relaxing and just gorgeous.

Go do it. This is my favourite ride in the USA. All 320 kms of it!!!!!

By and By we get to Lewiston, had actually booked the Quality Hotel across the river in Clarkstonin Washington state rather than Idaho. Now contrary to my immense dislike of the Sleep Inn At Missoula, in contrast, the Quality At Clarkson In WA would have to be without question, the best value and most up market Quality we have stayed in to date, it is almost like a resort. Anyone reading our blog and thinking of some touring in the Lewiston Area, try the Quality in Clarkston Outstanding.