Wallace to Choteau Road Trip: 2024 Guide

The route from Wallace, Idaho, to Choteau, Montana, follows the historic Mullan Road, an early military wagon trail, and covers about 460 miles. You'll traverse four mountain passes, including Lookout Pass (4,690 ft) and Rogers Pass (5,610 ft), the latter being the lowest crossable point in the Continental Divide during winter.

This drive can be done in roughly 7.5 hours of pure driving, but plan for 9-10 hours with stops. For a reality check on your planned breaks, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The landscape shifts from Idaho's silver-mining hills to Montana's broad valleys and the Rocky Mountain Front. Near Choteau, the Front is a geologic wonder—an ancient reef from 350 million years ago, now 9,000-ft peaks like the Chinese Wall. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate for its fossil beds (not listed).

Local commerce thrives: in Wallace, visit the Sierra Silver Mine tour; in Missoula, the farmers market (Saturdays) offers local produce and crafts.

Michelin-rated roads with frequent wildlife crossings; dawn and dusk are dangerous for deer. Rest Areas are well-marked; use them to combat fatigue. The Idaho Virtual Academy is a handy rest stop with picnic tables and EV chargers.

For families, the Lincoln Mini Golf & Ice Cream is a hit; for pets, many hotels in Missoula are pet-friendly, and rest areas have off-leash zones.

For a break, try the 49'er Diner in Lincoln—a local fixture serving steak and shakes. Or, visit the brewery in Augusta, MT, for craft brews.

Interstate 90 and US-287 are the backbone of this trip. Expect modern, well-maintained highways; Montana's speed limit is 80 mph on interstates. Gas stations cluster in towns like Kellogg, ID, and Lincoln, MT, but can be sparse for stretches up to 60 miles.

• Cell coverage: intermittent in mountain valleys, absent in remote stretches.
• Winter travel: carry chains; passes close during storms.
• RV services: full hookups in Wallace, Missoula, and Choteau.

Climate varies drastically. Western Montana is Pacific-maritime with wet winters; east of the Divide, it's semi-arid with cold, snowy winters. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms; autumn offers clear skies and fall colors.

Hidden gems include Idaho's Cataldo Mission (1850) and Montana's Gates of the Mountains wilderness. These add 1-2 hours but offer solitude.