Community Forums

Jeff and Cheryl · 08-29-2015, 03:27 PM

We had plans to drive Hwy 2 from Columbia Falls east. With Hwy 2 closed due to wildfires, I am looking at Hwy 200. In particular, I need to know what to expect between Missoula and where it meets I-15 near Great Falls.
I am driving a 37 foot pusher and towing a Honda CRV. Does the road have a lot of curves? Are there shoulders? What kind of grades are there? 6% grades are no big deal unless there are sharp curves on the way down or at the bottom. Other things I should know? Thanks for the help.

coupevilleDF · 08-29-2015, 03:52 PM

Based on my view of Google Map, you would only be on 200 for a short distance. It looks like you drop directly south through Kalispell on 93. I haven't traveled that route. I have done 200 from i-90 to Idaho. It's a good road.

From Missoula, take I-90 east to 12 towards Helena and meet I-15 there. We did 12 westbound last fall with a 35' plus toad and had no problems. As I recall, there was a couple of steep grades but you're going through mountains whichever way you go.

Too bad you can't stay on US 2. it's a beautiful drive and much shorter,

Chuck47 · 08-29-2015, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff and Cheryl

We had plans to drive Hwy 2 from Columbia Falls east. With Hwy 2 closed due to wildfires, I am looking at Hwy 200. In particular, I need to know what to expect between Missoula and where it meets I-15 near Great Falls.
I am driving a 37 foot pusher and towing a Honda CRV. Does the road have a lot of curves? Are there shoulders? What kind of grades are there? 6% grades are no big deal unless there are sharp curves on the way down or at the bottom. Other things I should know? Thanks for the help.

We have a 37ft pusher with a tow car. We've done that road at least twice in the past few years. While I can't remember every curve and downgrade (there are some of each) I don't think you'll find this road to be a problem at all. In fact I remember asking the same question on some forum or other before the first time we did it and was told the same thing.

FleetMan · 08-29-2015, 08:00 PM

I agree with Chuck47. You should have no problems. We drove that route westbound several years ago. Good two lane road, yes it has curves and grades but nothing abnormal.

twogypsies · 08-29-2015, 09:00 PM

According to the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers' (highly recommended by the way), it states for westbound there is only about 1 mile of about 6% descent from Rogers Pass (elevation 5610') and then 5% and less for about 2 miles. The road continues to roll up and down west of there.

Eastbound descent: a steady 6% for about 3 miles with 25 mph curves near the top. The grade eases to about 5% and then begins to roll up and down. This continues for many miles with some 5-7% hills but they are short in length.

According to the above, we would confidently take it. It's not a biggie.

Jeff and Cheryl · 08-29-2015, 09:01 PM

FleetMan, Chuck47, twogypsies,
Thank-you, just what I was looking for.

JFNM · 08-29-2015, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff and Cheryl

We had plans to drive Hwy 2 from Columbia Falls east. With Hwy 2 closed due to wildfires, I am looking at Hwy 200. In particular, I need to know what to expect between Missoula and where it meets I-15 near Great Falls.

I've been all over that area this summer but not that entire route. I can tell you that highway 12, 141, 200, and 279 are all in good shape and I have had no issues. There are 45 and 55 mph corners but they are well marked. The lesser roads (141, 279) don't have much of a shoulder. 200 has a good shoulder in most places. There are quite a few pull off areas and lots of fishing access points.