Pullman to Columbia Falls: A Road Trip Guide

Leaving Pullman, Washington, you'll soon cross the Palouse River, a region shaped by windblown loess soil that forms rolling hills unique to the area. This drive to Columbia Falls, Montana, roughly 340 miles, takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes without stops, but plan for longer with breaks.

The route traverses three states—Washington, Idaho, and Montana—and crosses the Bitterroot Range via Lookout Pass, where the continental divide sits at 4,700 feet. Along the way, you'll witness dramatic shifts from dry farmland to dense evergreen forests.

For smart planning, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to structure your journey.

The drive showcases the Palouse's rolling farmlands, the pine forests of the Idaho Panhandle, and the dramatic mountains of western Montana. Near the end, the Flathead River accompanies you into the Flathead Valley, with Glacier National Park just north.

In St. Regis, stop at the St. Regis Travel Center for its fossil museum, a quirky roadside attraction housing a full-size T. rex replica. Nearby, the Savenac Nursery historic tree plantation offers a peaceful walk among 100-year-old trees.

Local culinary highlights include huckleberry shakes at the Huckleberry Patch in St. Regis, and testy burgers at the Old Montana Bar and Grill in Thompson Falls. For a more substantial meal, the Wolf Lodge Steakhouse in Coeur d'Alene is a local favorite.

To experience local culture, visit the Superior Bakery in Superior, Montana, known for its sourdough bread, or the Historic Fort Missoula in Missoula, a few minutes off the route, to learn about regional military history.

• Off-route gem: Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, a 43-mile-long lake with scenic viewpoints.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yellowstone National Park, a 5-hour drive south from Columbia Falls.
• Family stop: Silverwood Theme Park near Coeur d'Alene, open seasonally.

Fuel prices vary along the route; as of 2024, expect $3.50–$4.00/gallon in Washington and Montana, with Idaho slightly cheaper. A typical sedan with 30 mpg will need about 12 gallons, totaling around $45.

The main highway is I-90 for most of the trip, a well-maintained interstate with services every 20–30 miles. From Pullman, take US-195 to Spokane, then I-90 east. At St. Regis, take MT-135 along the Clark Fork River, then US-2 to Columbia Falls. Alternatively, stay on I-90 to US-93 north, adding 30 minutes but offering more services.

• No tolls on any part of this route.
• Cell coverage is mostly good, but gaps in the Bitterroot Mountains
• Rest areas: Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (near Cheney), Savenac Nursery (near Haugan), Thompson Falls State Park

Road quality is excellent on I-90; however, mountain passes can be hazardous in winter. Check road conditions at 511.mt.gov and bring chains from October to May. The route includes long stretches with no services, so keep your tank above a quarter.

For families, the route offers kid-friendly attractions like the Silverwood Theme Park and the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell, a historic home with gardens. For more nature, the National Bison Range near Moiese offers a self-drive tour.

Pets are allowed at most rest areas, but not inside buildings. Many trailheads along the route are pet-friendly, but keep dogs on a leash.

Fatigue management: plan stops every 2 hours. The St. Regis Travel Center has a huge parking lot and fuel; Thompson Falls State Park provides picnic tables and restrooms. At Columbia Falls, the Glacier Gateway Visitor Center is a good final stop.

• Highway signs indicate distances to services; note that the next gas is 70 miles after St. Regis on MT-135.
• Download offline maps for the remote sections.