U.S. Hy 12 beteen Roundup, MT and Three Forks, MT

[desertvince]

Road advice appreciated for June from Roundup, MT (45 miles north of Billings) to Three Forks, MT via east on U.S. HY 12 to HY 287 at Townsend, then south on HY287 into Three Forks. Any 8% grades to climb? If not recommended, can always go south to I-90 and then east.

Later in the trip, we are at Butte, MT. Plan is south on I-15, then first alternative: From Divide, MT east on HY 43 to Wisdom, MT or second alternative: Going further south on I-15 to Dillon, MT and east on HY 278 to Wisdom.

Next: Further east to HY 93, then south to Challis, MT, where we pick up HY 75 southeast to Stanley, ID.

Any thoughts on any of the three legs and the alternatives, much appreciated.

Again Thanks. Vince

[bigskymt]

I think you meant to say west everytime you said east first of all.
We rarely ever take 12 as we prefer 90 for higher speeds, cheaper fuel, etc. Since 12 follows the river its relatively flat by MT standards. If you end up at 12& 287 a drive north to Canyon Ferry Lake may interest you. "Wheat Montana" Bakery at 287 and I90 is a must stop. Homestake Pass on 90 between Whitehall and Butte is a long hard pull. If you drop down to 2 and cross the Divide over Pipestone it's an easier pull and takes you to Harrison Ave in Butte.
From Dillon west to Wisdom you have 2 passes in the 7000' range. From Divide is an easier climb with a couple small campgrounds.
93 is a good road.............Isn't Challis in ID??

[desertvince]

Thanks BigskyMt, you are of course correct..."east" means "west" and Challis is in ID, not MT. Suggestions also appreciated.

[Bob and Inga]

Vince,

We spent a week in Townsend, MT last year. We used 287 between I-90 & I-15 and had no problems. Townsend is well worth a stop, but do not stay in town. About 7 miles north (US-287) or west (12 - combined road now) is the Silos Rec Area on Canyon Ferry lake. The CG is down PAST the KOA, no hookups, water available and right on the lake. This is one of those oh wow places that you don't want to leave. $5 bucks with Golden Age and dump at the KOA by agreement with the BLM for $4.

Bob