Community Forums

PJL · 10-05-2017, 06:21 AM

Has anyone travelled from the Boise area to Coeur d'Alene in a 45' DP via Highway 95. Looks like a long stretch of 2 lane mountain road and curious what I'll be getting into. I could bypass this route, adding a lot of miles to the trip, but I kinda hoped to stop at Hells Canyon on the way. Any first hand knowledge would be appreciated.

Cruzer · 10-05-2017, 08:13 AM

We've done it in our 42' Allegro Bus - 400HP ISL, towing the Jeep. It was a beautiful drive with great scenery and it is entirely doable and safe. However, in all of our days and 150,000 miles of motorhome driving this was the day with the most up and down we've ever encountered so plan on taking the day to do it. The road winds through the forest with no real hairpin turns or steep cliff dropoffs but the hills and valleys are relentless. The climb north out of Lewisville is long and White Bird Hill is another. With a Cornerstone this should be much easier. Either way, I would take it rather than go the long way around to avoid it.

450Donn · 10-05-2017, 08:32 AM

Driven it in a box van a couple of times. Road is fine. There are a few places sort of narrow, but semis drive it all the time. Remember there are a couple of steap decents and climbs on the route. Take your time. Plan on an overnight along the way and enjoy the trip.

DSL417 · 10-05-2017, 09:15 AM

OP doesn't mention the time he is traveling this road...they are starting to get snow up that way (we have a place in Northern ID so we watch the weather).

Less likelihood of having bad weather by going through Kennewick and up 395...but this 95 drive is beautiful. You could choose US 195 as an alternative...but make sure you map it out. It too is scenic.

wnytaxman · 10-05-2017, 09:27 AM

I can't comment on the road but we did the Hell's Canyon jet boat ride a few years back. It was a blast. The one we took lasted 11 hours and went all the way up to the dam. It was through Class III and IV rapids so you will get very wet. The trip was a blast so I would heartily recommend it.

The Granite Lake Campground in Clarkston, WA was excellent and I would suggest that also.

777 Driver · 10-05-2017, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

... Hell's Canyon jet boat ride a few years back...a blast.

The Granite Lake Campground in Clarkston, WA was excellent and I would suggest that also.

X2 on both of those suggestions.

Regarding the jet boat, though, immediately after the mandatory life preserver lecture, just before starting the engines, the crew put in their earplugs. After less than an hour, I regretted not having my earplugs.

It's a relentlessly noisy ride.

Unless there's ice and/or snow, you won't have any trouble with the drive.

Take care,
Stu

PJL · 10-05-2017, 12:23 PM

Thanks to all for the replies. I will take 95 assuming no snow (going in early May). Looking forward to Hells Canyon.

Ready2Travel · 10-06-2017, 07:36 AM

You should be OK in early May (snow).

We made that trip a few years back in our 40' W/toad in mid September and no problem, Boise to Banff (Canadian Rockies).

Hwy 55 from Boise to McCall, then 95. Road is windier from Boise to McCall than McCall north to Canada. Not bad, lots of turnouts to let faster traffic pass. The grade north of Lewiston is probably more of a concern coming back than going up heading north. Have to use the exhaust brakes all the way down....

If staying overnight or longer suggest Ponderosa (group camp is best) in McCall, and Blackwell Island RV in Coeur D'Alene. We Also stayed in Lewiston but can't recall the name of the park and it was nothing special anyhow. In Banff there was a nice state RV park to stay in.