Missoula MT to Sand Point ID

[awcscot]

has any one taken Hwy 93 and 200 from Missoula MT to Sand Point ID. If so, what is the road like? Any recommendations on campgrounds along the way?

[indyfabz]

Done some of what you are talking about (the portion between Sandpoint and the jct. of MT 200 and MT 56) back in '99 and '00. Bull River (U.S.F.S. campground) just south of MT 56 was nice:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kootenai/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=64827&actid=42


Also, there is a nice, partially unpaved alternative between there are Clark Fork that gets you off MT 200 for a while:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13682768

Crossing the river into Clark Fork there are two bridges. I believe the old steel truss bridge is a bike/ped crossing.

Some asked this same question before. IIRC, some who had ridden in the area suggested taking the paved Blue Slide Rd. between Thompson Falls and the north end of Trout Creek.

I have been doing some preliminary planning for a trip next year that includes Thompson Falls and saw this place:

http://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/thompson-falls/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=MT&parkId=630117

It's small, so a reservation might be a good idea.

[awcscot]

Thanks very helpful. Amazed how how quickly people respond on this site

[jamawani]

Do consider going off route a few miles to St. Ignatius and the Mission Mountains.
Mission Reservoir Campground just east of town has spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks.
In town there is the historic mission - plus cafes and groceries.

In Plains you can camp at the fairgrounds right on the river - don't know how much they charge cyclists.
I've camped at other fairgrounds for free - the caretakers are pretty nice to cyclists -
"Just find a nice spot and make yourself at home!"

Even if you don't head up Thompson Pass Road -
Make sure to ride out over the newly renovated Thompson Falls bike/ped bridge.

Best - J

[awcscot]

Thanks. We will be in Missoula for a couple of days during the 40th Anniversary. Perhaps we'll take a ride out to St. Ignatius.

Andrew