Community Forums

FlaBoy · 08-01-2015, 05:23 PM

We are going to be in Columbia Falls to visit Glacier National Park. After leaving there we want to go to Coeur D'Alene from there. Thinking about going on US 2, linking to US 95 and down to Coeur D'Alene rather than make my way back to I90 and go over the 2 passes. Never been this way before and am a little nervous about steep grades. We are in a 38' DP. Anyone have any experience with this route?

Tony Lee · 08-01-2015, 06:01 PM

Consider steep grades as a good chance to practice your snub braking and exhaust brake management techniques on the way down, and gear selection and engine RPM and engine and transmission temperature management on the way up..

Half Dimes · 08-01-2015, 06:35 PM

The Mountain Directory West shows no steep grades worthy of mention on US2 from Columbia Falls west to its intersection with US95 and no steep grades from there to Coeur d-Alene. Doesn't mean there aren't hills, just none of significance to the writer of the directory. We driven that portion of US2 without problem but haven't been on US95.

twogypsies · 08-01-2015, 08:57 PM

U.S.2 is an easy route. Don't let steep grades keep you from enjoying the West! Your motorhome is fully capable of doing them. If you do a lot of the West I would suggest that you purchase the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers & Rvers'. Get it from the publisher as it's much cheaper than Amazon for some reason.

iRent2u · 08-02-2015, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaBoy

We are going to be in Columbia Falls to visit Glacier National Park. After leaving there we want to go to Coeur D'Alene from there. Thinking about going on US 2, linking to US 95 and down to Coeur D'Alene rather than make my way back to I90 and go over the 2 passes. Never been this way before and am a little nervous about steep grades. We are in a 38' DP. Anyone have any experience with this route?

From Michigan to Sweet Grass, MT. No.

coupevilleDF · 08-02-2015, 10:58 PM

As stated, US 2 westbound is not bad and very scenic. The worst grade is coming down from Stevens Pass. Use your gears and watch your brakes and you will be fine.

We take it with our 35' GT and toad a couple of time a year.