Spokane to Whitefish, MT

[DianneL]

We have a trade through RCI into Crestwood Resort, Whitefish, MT for August this year. In researching airfare and car rentals, it is to our advantage to fly Southwest, as I have two free tickets. The nearest airport seems to be Spokane, with a 4 1/2 hour drive from there. Has anyone done this drive? Is there anything scenic to see or do on the way? We will be using Whitefish as our base to explore Glacier National Park.

 

[eal]

We are driving from Seattle to West Glacier at the end of May - the trip includes driving between Spokane and Whitefish. I will post when we get there what the trip was like, it seems to be very scenic...

 

[ampaholic]

I live in Spokane and have driven the 1 route 7 - 9 times each over the years - and the 2 route 15 or so times.

The roads are good except for the occasional construction zone. their are two main routes:

1. I90 to Mt93 at Wye (near Missoula). This is freeway to the cutoff and 75 mph 2 lane up to Flathead lake. I would recommend the east side to go around Flathead Lake to Kalispell for the view.

2. The North route through Coeur D' Alene, Bonner's Ferry, Libby and Troy is a nice 75 MPH 2 lane route.

The North route is 1/2 to 1 hour longer but the more picturesque route, Troy is a neat little town with lots of way cool Eagle sculptures.

Don't miss Kootenai Falls about midway between Troy and Libby - but it is a 3 mile hike with some up and down to get to the falls from the parking lot - not for the faint of heart.

I usually take the North Route due to less traffic - but that's just me.

 

[ampaholic]

Oh, oh and I recommend "The Shak" Resturant on Spokane St. Between 6th and 8th -- best Cajun this side of Baton Rouge.

Hungry Horse Dam is a sight to behold.

Have Fun

 

[Soccer Canada]

You can also take the I90 East out of Spokane and cut off at St Regis to State Hiway 200 that takes you through Hot Springs and brings you out at Big Arm about halfway down the west side of the FlatHead.. You go through a couple other small towns and its actually quite a nice drive.. Although they were doing some heavy construction in that territory the last time we drove that way (2 years ago), but Id imagine that would be done by now..

Drive to West Glacier and take a tour bus or drive over the Highway to the Sun, really neat road that winds its way over the side of the mountain, great views and quite a cool stretch..

If you have any questions you can PM me, we do quite a bit of travelling to the Kalispell/Whitefish/Columbia Falls area..

Robb

 

[DianneL]

Thanks

Thanks for the above info. I appreciate the help.
Dianne

 

[sue1947]

On the way, take a look at the National Bison Range:
http://www.fws.gov/bisonrange/nbr/index.htm

There's a drive through the area for up close looks at bison. If you are heading to Yellowstone, you'll get tired of seeing them, but if not, this is a worthwhile stop.

Sue