From Newport (WA) or Sandpoint to Lewiston (ID)

[BasPepping]

Hello All,

This summer we plan to make a loop, using a part of Pacific Coast route, the Nothern Tier and the Lewis and Clarke trail.

As time is limited, we need to cut across from Newport (WA) or Sandpoint (ID) to Lewiston (ID).
The easiest way is to follow Hwy 95 all the way through Coeur d'Alene, but what is it like cycling on this Hwy? Is there much traffic, are there shoulders all the way?

An alternative might be to take Hwy 41 from Newport through Spirit Lake to Coeur d'Alene. We could then follow the east side of Lake Coeur d'Alene and follow Hwy 3 south towards Lewiston. This will take us more on back roads, will be longer, but might be more enjoyable.

Any advice on the best route to take is welcome. We have in total about 4 days to spend on this part of the trip.

Thanks in advance

Bas Pepping (The Netherlands)

[oldgroundhog]

Hi Bas,

Last September I rode across Washington State and N. Idaho into Sandpoint, down to Coeur d'Alene and back to Spokane. N. Idaho is quite scenic along the Rivers Passage.  Stop in at the Priest River Campground near Newport, a beautiful place. They have a designated bicycle camp area for $3.   The roads are hilly, but not mountainous.  Shoulders range to none to 2'.  I was surprised to find N. Idaho quite sparse with few trees.  Mostly vast wheat farms.  Traffic is quite heavy around towns, but thins out when leaving.  Have a great trip.

[BasPepping]

Hello oldgroundhog,

Thanks for your reply, and promising to hear that you had a good trip in the area we want to visit. We are really looking forward to going there this summer.

Just one more question. When you cycled from Sandpoint to Coeur d'Alene, did you take HWY 95 or did you take more rural roads?

Thanks,

Bas