Route 90: Red Lodge MT to Moscow ID – A Deep Travel Guide

Red Lodge, Montana, sits at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains, the highest-elevation mountain range in the contiguous United States. A lesser-known fact: the original 1910 route connecting Red Lodge to points west was a dirt track used by prospectors, and its alignment through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness was so treacherous that early drivers often hired local guides. Today, the Beartooth Highway (US-212) remains one of America's most scenic byways, but its 68 miles from Red Lodge to the Wyoming border before joining I-90 includes 20 switchbacks and an elevation gain of over 5,000 feet in 30 miles.

This guide covers the full 500-mile drive from Red Lodge, MT to Moscow, ID, via I-90 and US-12. Expect a journey spanning three states, two national forests, and a climatic shift from alpine tundra to Palouse prairie. We answer: how long to drive Red Lodge, MT to Moscow, ID (7-8 hours without stops), is it worth driving Red Lodge, MT to Moscow, ID (absolutely, for the Beartooth and the Lochsa River corridor), and things to do between Red Lodge, MT and Moscow, ID (from ghost towns to hot springs). For deeper planning, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Quick Facts Table

The Beartooth Highway offers 70 miles of alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and views into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. At the summit, the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area operates from June to July. Below Cooke City, the road passes through the 1910 Burn Zone, a ghost forest from the Great Fire of 1910.

• Natural landmarks: Beartooth Pass, Rock Creek Vista Point, Yellowstone River headwaters.
• Commerce: Red Lodge has the Beartooth Billings Clinic and local gear shops; Cooke City has a general store and lodge.

In Idaho, the Clearwater National Forest along US-12 features the Lochsa River, a prime whitewater rafting destination. The Palouse region near Moscow is known for rolling wheat fields and the University of Idaho's arboretum. Moscow's main street hosts the Moscow Farmers Market (Saturdays May-October) and the Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center.

• Local products: Huckleberry products in Montana, huckleberry milkshakes at the Red Lodge Café.
• Cultural stops: Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS (Deer Lodge, MT), Nez Perce National Historical Park (Spalding, ID).

The route begins on US-212 from Red Lodge, climbing the Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft) before descending to Cooke City and then to I-90 at Livingston, MT. From Livingston, follow I-90 west through Butte, Missoula, and into Idaho at Coeur d'Alene. Then take US-12 west along the Lochsa River to Lewiston, and finally ID-8 to Moscow.

• Fuel stops: Every 40-60 miles on I-90; sparse on US-212 (fill up in Red Lodge or Cooke City).
• Cell coverage: Spotty on Beartooth Highway; reliable on interstates.
• Road conditions: Beartooth Highway closed October to May; check MT 511 for updates.
• Tolls: None on this route.

Segment Breakdown Table

Beartooth Highway has narrow lanes, no guardrails in places, and high wind gusts. Use low gears for descent. The route is unsuitable for large RVs; the recommended limit is 40 ft. Wildlife—bighorn sheep, moose, bears—frequently cross roads, especially at dawn/dusk.

• Rest zones: Beartooth Highway has pullouts at overlooks; I-90 has rest areas every 50 miles. Idaho rest areas near Coeur d'Alene and Deary.
• Family-friendly stops: Yellowstone River (Livingston), Big Spring Creek (Lewistown), and the Moscow Aquatic Center.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops have pet areas; dogs on leash at trailheads. Many motels in Missoula and Moscow accept pets.
• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours; ideal break points: Livingston (mile 116), Butte (mile 200), Missoula (mile 284), Coeur d'Alene (mile 389).