Lincoln City to Choteau: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

Leaving Lincoln City, Oregon, you'll cross the Coast Range within the first hour, climbing from sea level to over 1,000 feet on Highway 18. This route spans nearly 1,000 miles, ending in Choteau, Montana, at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front. The drive typically takes 18–20 hours without stops, so plan for at least two overnight stays. The landscape transforms from lush rainforest to high desert, then to the dramatic peaks of the Rockies.

Choteau's namesake, Pierre Choteau, was a fur trader, and the town sits near the Rocky Mountain Front, a geological fault line where the mountains abruptly rise from the plains. This area is known for its abundant dinosaur fossils, including the famous Maiasaura. The route offers a unique cross-section of American geography, making it a memorable journey.

Your primary highways are US-20 east to Bend, then US-26 to Idaho Falls, and finally I-15 north to Montana. This route keeps you on well-maintained roads, though sections of US-20 in Oregon and US-26 in Idaho are two-lane. Expect heavy traffic in Boise and occasional construction delays in summer. Here's a breakdown of key segments:

Fuel stops are plentiful along interstates, but in rural stretches like central Oregon and eastern Idaho, stations can be 50 miles apart. Gas prices tend to be lower in Idaho and Montana than in Oregon. Note: Oregon has no self-serve gas stations; attendants pump for you, which can slow you down.

• Oregon: no self-serve gas; attendants required
• Idaho: self-serve available; cheaper gas
• Montana: self-serve; high speed limits (80 mph on I-15)

The route crosses the Cascade Range at Santiam Pass (elevation 4,817 ft) on US-20, where you'll see volcanic peaks like Mount Washington and Three Sisters. Snowfall can close this pass from November to April, so check conditions. East of the Cascades, the landscape shifts to high desert with sagebrush and juniper. In Idaho, you'll traverse the Snake River Plain, a volcanic basalt plateau. Near Arco, Idaho, you'll pass Craters of the Moon National Monument, a surreal landscape of lava fields and cinder cones – a worthwhile detour.

Local commerce along the way includes farm stands in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Basque restaurants in Boise, and small-town diners in Montana. Choteau itself has a handful of eateries and a grocery store, but options are limited. For a unique experience, visit the Old Trail Museum in Choteau, which houses dinosaur exhibits and pioneer artifacts.

Road quality is generally good, but be cautious on two-lane highways where passing is risky. Wildlife crossings are common at dawn and dusk, especially in Montana. For families, rest stops with playgrounds are scarce, but larger towns like Bend, Boise, and Butte have parks. In Missoula, 50 miles before Choteau, the Missoula Family YMCA offers a pool and climbing wall, but it's a detour. A better option is the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved path along the river, perfect for a stretch break.

Fatigue is a real risk on long drives. Plan to stop every 2-3 hours. Key rest areas include:

• Santiam Rest Area (Oregon, mile 45 on US-20)
• Snake River Rest Area (Idaho, I-84 exit 168)
• Montana Welcome Center (I-15, south of Butte)