Best route to drive - Calgary to Cascade ID
- Thread starter Spector
- Start date
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Desperado
Well-known member
The best route in my view would be to come down through North Idaho, hitting US HWY 95 at the border follow it south until you come to New Meadows Idaho, at that point turn left on Hwy 55, Cascade is 37 mi away. There are really no huge passes to cross, the road is a bit windey is spots but overall the road is pretty good, it is the only N/S route through the state. HWY 12 going over Lolo pass can be dicey and the road going from there to Grangeville along the river can be very icy. Good luck and drive safe.
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Blaser
Well-known member
We drove from Boise to Calgary 3 different times last year- 3 different routes-pulling the 30 foot enclosed with 11 snobikes in it.
The last time we found the quickest route, and I don't remember any dangerous passes or issues with the route. Even the border crossing was a 2 minute breeze.
Calgary-Fort McLeod--Crowsnest (you have to stop here to ride...)---Fernie--Cranbrook-Bonners Ferry--- and then Highway 95 to New Meadows-- Highway 55 to Cascade.
We left Crowsnest (and a great post-ride steak) at 7pm, drove all night, and it was about 11 hours. I think daylight would've saved us at least an hour.
Drive safe-
The last time we found the quickest route, and I don't remember any dangerous passes or issues with the route. Even the border crossing was a 2 minute breeze.
Calgary-Fort McLeod--Crowsnest (you have to stop here to ride...)---Fernie--Cranbrook-Bonners Ferry--- and then Highway 95 to New Meadows-- Highway 55 to Cascade.
We left Crowsnest (and a great post-ride steak) at 7pm, drove all night, and it was about 11 hours. I think daylight would've saved us at least an hour.
Drive safe-
D
Desperado
Well-known member
The couple times I drove the route from Coeur D'alene to Missoula the road was good. There are 3 passes I believe the highest one is about 4800 ft or so. I would call the road report just to be sure the Idaho number for the report is 511. Another good source for the road report is the Idaho State police, I think they have a link for the report. This will get you all road reports throughout the state. If you need a place to hang your hat for a night before your return trip or if you have problems your more than welcome to stay at my place in New Meadows.
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buck50
ACCOUNT CLOSED
no problem. you didn't ask what the roads were like, you asked for directions, so i gave you the obvious f$^kin answer! you HAVE been on this site before right? you even stated you knew it was coming. just enjoy the sarcasm, no need to get all worked up
Have a Merry Christmas
Here is a link for the Idaho road conditions.http://511.idaho.gov/
Once you clear 95 onto 55 take it easy in the canyon. Another area to be careful in is around milepost 120 on Donners pass. Watch for crossing elk around milepost 136-132. I live in Cascade so let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Once you clear 95 onto 55 take it easy in the canyon. Another area to be careful in is around milepost 120 on Donners pass. Watch for crossing elk around milepost 136-132. I live in Cascade so let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Why would you need to come back through sweetgrass?? If you are doing a commercial entry with sled, then you would need to come through a commercial port of entry. If it is personal, then any of the crossings would do for the sled to be imported up here. When you do your 72 hr notice check up, ask them if you can come through any port. You are looking at a 13 hour one way drive, be ready to tack on an extra grand to the price of your sled for all your costs (fuel, food, hotel unless you can drive 26 hours) We are headed down to pick up another 9 sleds/bikes on the 2nd ish of January to Baker City Oregon, but even Cascade is 3 hours out of our way which would be a 6 hour round trip. Ask seller if they would meet you 3-4 hours north of there, save you 6-8 hours at least. hope this helps.
