Road trip Idaho to Washington via Montana

Question

We are three mature Australians (65+) planning a road trip, and we’d love some local advice on scenic routes, places to stay and eat and of course things to do.

We’re starting in San Francisco and spending three days in Boise. From there, we plan to head to Montana and are happy to drive up to 6 ½ hours from Boise. Our goal is to spend about four days in Montana, ideally staying in one location as a base for exploring.

We enjoy road trips with plenty to see and do, but we prefer activities that don’t involve hiking.

Following our 4 day stay we will be heading towards Spokane or Coeur d Álene.

Any advice re roads to take and places to explore as well as places to stay would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Answer

That sounds like a wonderful road trip! A drive through Idaho, Montana, and Washington will offer you some incredible scenery and memorable experiences. Here’s a suggested route with places to stay, eat, and explore without needing to hike, as well as some travel tips along the way:

From Boise, Idaho to Montana (Up to 6 ½ hours drive)

Your route from Boise to Montana will take you through scenic landscapes, and here are a few options depending on what you enjoy seeing:

Route Option 1: Boise to Missoula (Via I-84 E and I-90 E - Approx. 5.5 hours, 320 miles): This route takes you through beautiful forests and open plains of Idaho and western Montana. Along the way, you’ll pass through the small towns of Mountain Home and Twin Falls.
Route Option 2: Boise to Helena (Via I-84 E and I-15 N - Approx. 6.5 hours, 375 miles): This route brings you through the scenic valleys and farmland of southern Idaho, before passing into the foothills of Montana. Helena is known for its historic architecture and quiet charm.
Route Option 3: Boise to Great Falls (Via US-20 N - Approx. 6 hours, 345 miles): If you prefer a more direct route to northern Montana, Great Falls is a great option for a stop. Known for the Great Falls of the Missouri River, it's also close to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Staying in Montana

For your 4-day stay in Montana, I recommend staying in one of these central locations that are close to scenic drives, local attractions, and small-town charm:

Missoula: A vibrant university town, Missoula is great as a base for exploring western Montana. It's close to places like the Clark Fork River, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area (which is great for scenic drives), and the historic downtown area filled with local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Helena: The state capital offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the historic district and enjoy easy drives to nearby scenic areas like the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness or the nearby Confederate Gulch Ghost Town.
Bozeman: Although it’s a bit more touristy, Bozeman offers excellent access to Yellowstone National Park (if you decide to make a detour) and has a charming downtown area filled with restaurants and galleries. It’s a great base if you’re interested in both cultural and natural attractions.
Great Falls: Known for the stunning Great Falls of the Missouri River, the city also has museums like the C.M. Russell Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the famous Western artist.

Things to Do (Without Hiking)

Here are a few activities that are scenic and interesting, but don’t require any hiking:

Scenic Drives: Montana is full of beautiful scenic routes. The Beartooth Highway (if you’re in the southern part of Montana) offers jaw-dropping views, while the Going-to-the-Sun Road (in Glacier National Park) is another must-see, although it can be a bit more remote.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center: Located in Great Falls, this museum offers insights into the explorers’ journey through Montana. It’s perfect for those interested in American history.
Missoula Art Museum: For a more cultural experience, the Missoula Art Museum offers contemporary art exhibits and is housed in a beautiful space downtown.
Charter a Boat on Flathead Lake: If you prefer a water-based activity, consider chartering a boat or taking a scenic lake tour on Flathead Lake, located near Kalispell. It’s a gorgeous way to take in the stunning landscape.
Bison Range: Visit the National Bison Range in Moiese for a wildlife drive where you can see bison, elk, and other wildlife. It’s a beautiful drive through the Flathead Valley.
Historic Sites: Consider a visit to the Virginia City Historic District for a step back in time, or take a tour of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, which highlights Montana’s ranching history.

Heading Towards Spokane or Coeur d'Alene

After your stay in Montana, head west to Washington, where you can enjoy more scenic drives and stop at charming towns like Coeur d'Alene or Spokane. If you’re interested in the scenic route, consider taking US-2 to Spokane and explore its parks, wineries, and the Riverfront Park.

Where to Stay and Eat

Here are some great places to stay and eat along the way:

Missoula: Stay at the Loft Hotel for a comfortable and stylish experience. For dining, check out Red Bird Restaurant for a great mix of local Montana flavors.
Helena: Consider staying at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel. For dinner, head to The Hullabaloo for a delicious farm-to-table meal.
Great Falls: Stay at the Holiday Inn Great Falls, offering easy access to downtown. For a nice meal, Jakers Bar & Grill serves up hearty Montana fare with great views.
Bozeman: The Element Bozeman offers modern amenities, and The Back Alley Grill offers excellent steaks and local specialties.

These suggestions offer a great balance of natural beauty, history, and cultural experiences, all without needing to embark on strenuous hikes. Enjoy your road trip and the amazing sights of Montana!