Wallace to Riverton: Idaho's Silver Valley to Wyoming's Wind River

This 400-mile journey traces the old Milwaukee Road rail corridor, now paralleled by I-90 and US-287. You'll cross the Continental Divide twice, at Homestake Pass (6,329 ft) and South Pass (7,410 ft), before descending into the Wind River Basin.

The route's most surprising fact: the town of Wallace, Idaho, is a National Historic District with the entire town listed on the National Register, a legacy of its silver mining boom.

Driving time for the full trip is about 7.5 hours without stops, but plan for at least 9 to enjoy the sights. The route combines interstate (I-90, I-94), four-lane highways (US-287), and two-lane scenic byways (WY-28).

• Fuel: Expect gas prices to be $3.50-$4.20/gallon; fill up in Wallace or Missoula, as stretches in Wyoming lack services.
• Food: Major towns every 60-80 miles offer fast food and diners; stock snacks for remote legs.
• Tolls: No tolls on this route.

For navigation, use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to identify lesser-known points of interest.

Road quality is generally good, but be alert for wildlife (elk, deer) especially at dawn and dusk. Winter driving can be treacherous; check conditions before you go.

• Safety: Cell coverage is spotty in Montana, especially through the Bitterroot and Wind River ranges. Carry paper maps and download offline maps.
• Family stops: The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, MT, is superb for kids. In Butte, the World Museum of Mining offers underground tours.
• Pet-friendly: Most motels along I-90 and US-287 accept pets, but call ahead. Many national forests allow leashed dogs.

For fatigue management, plan rest stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Notable rests: Exit 34 rest area near St. Regis, MT; the Jefferson City Rest Area; and South Pass City State Historic Site (where you can stretch and explore a gold-rush town).

Hidden off-route gems include the Big Hole National Battlefield (a must for history buffs), the ghost town of Bannack, and the hot springs at Thermopolis, WY.

As you leave Wallace, the Coeur d'Alene River winds alongside I-90, then the road climbs into the Bitterroot Mountains. The scenery shifts from pine forests to sagebrush steppe as you approach Wyoming.

A must-see is Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though it requires a detour north from West Yellowstone. The park's geysers and geothermal features are iconic.

In terms of culture, Wallace's historic Silver District offers museums and mine tours, while Riverton is the gateway to the Wind River Indian Reservation, where you can experience Shoshone and Arapaho heritage.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Dillon, MT, known for its college-town feel, and Lander, WY, with its climbing culture.