Route through Idaho

[PandS]

We’re planning a trip through Idaho in early September. We'd appreciate any thoughts on the following route.

We’ll leave from Missoula, MT, take Rt 12 to Kooskia, ID, Rt 13 to Grangeville, ID, Rt 95 to White Bird, ID. From White Bird, we plan on taking Rt 95 south to Winnemucca, NV where we’ll pick up Interstate 80.

We're driving a 44' class A, towing a car.

Susan

[RRR]

12 is a very scenic route, decent road but curvy. Sort of follows the river. You won't make fast time on it. You will have no problems with your rig.

Lolo Pass going west has couple of sharp, but well marked, corners at the first part of the decent and plenty more after. IIRC the grade is 6% for about 5-6 miles. I think the climb going west was about 4-5%.

Never been on Idaho 13.

While it has been years since I have driven US 95 the only steep section is around White Bird. White Bird Hill has about a 6-7 mile grade going south at about 7%. The rest of the drive is not anything difficult, just another twisting mountain road. The road was in decent shape then.

[twogypsies]

Before your trip you may want to get the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers'. It will give you a good description of all these roads. We used it all the time even if we traveled the roads previously... used as a refresher of what's ahead.

We have driven all the roads you mentioned with our 40' MH and you'll have no issues. It's a very scenic drive. You will have curves and ups and downs but nothing you can't handle.

From the Directory: Lolo Pass on Hwy 12 heading west: From the summit a truck warning sign says "6% grade next 5 mi and is a steady descent with 35-40 mph curves.

Then on Hwy 12 you'll have 77 miles of winding road following the beautiful river..... watch for bikers.

Hwy 13 - westbound you'll have an uphill with curves.

Hwy 95 - You'll have White Bird Hill which is 8 mi. south of Grangeville. It's long and steep heading south - 8 mi. of 7% with 3 runaway truck ramps. The speed for trucks is 35mph. It alternates from 2 to 3 lanes. As I said... we've done it a few times and it's a popular RV route but use caution. (By the time you get to this point in your trip you'll be a pro!)

Uphills - you have plenty of power so shouldn't be an issue.

Downhill - Get into low gear before heading down; not in the midst. Your engine brake will keep you there so you won't have to use your brakes much.

It really is a beautiful drive and nothing to avoid. 95 through Oregon and into Nevada is easy.

At Caldwell, ID there's Ambassador RV which is extremely nice for big rigs. There was also a Flying J for fuel at that area, if I recall correctly.

Have a good trip... and get that Directory.

[PandS]

Thank you both for the helpful responses. We'll definitely look for that book!

Susan

[Mnoel]

Twogypsies nailed it. We have driven that route in our MH's many times to raft the Locksa river. And we live about 20 miles from the Ambassador and Flying J. Just don't get in a hurry and you will be fine. Beautiful county.