Idaho and Montana RV Adventures: Explore Nature, Mountains & Rivers
Idaho and Montana are full of wide-open spaces, tall mountains, and quiet valleys. If you love nature, fresh air, and room to explore, these two states are perfect. Traveling here by RV makes the trip even more fun and flexible. That’s exactly what we did on our journey—an unforgettable escape into nature.
Why We Chose RV Travel
We wanted freedom and space while keeping distance from others, so an RV was the best choice. RVs come in three main types:
- Class A – Big and luxury, like a tour bus.
- Class B – Small and compact, like a van.
- Class C – Mid-size, with beds, living space, and extras.
We chose a Class C motorhome, the perfect in-between. It had slide-outs for more room, solar panels, and a generator. With it, we stayed anywhere—from a forest campground to an RV resort. We could explore by day, then watch movies at night with microwaved popcorn.
Flying Into Idaho
We started by flying from San Diego to Boise on Southwest Airlines. Masks were required, middle seats were empty, and boarding felt safe. Our dog Winky came along in her carrier under the seat—she was part of every stop on the trip!
At the Boise airport, the RV rental company picked us up, showed us how everything worked, and then we were on the road.
Exploring Idaho
Riggins: Whitewater Capital
Our first stop was Riggins, the whitewater capital of Idaho. Between rafting, fishing, and hiking, the rugged beauty was endless.
Northern Idaho: Lakes and Forests
We continued north to the Idaho Panhandle. While Coeur d’Alene is the big city, we preferred smaller spots like Sandpoint and Chatcolet. Camping by the lake, we watched the sun sink behind the trees as our campfire crackled. It was peaceful, magical, and Winky loved sniffing around the forest.
Wallace: Quirky Mining Town
Next was Wallace, a town straight out of the Wild West. Founded in 1884, it has silver mines, trading posts, and even a bordello museum. Wallace also claims to be the “Center of the Universe” and was the filming location for Dante’s Peak. It was one of the most fun and surprising stops.
Salmon River and Goldbug Hot Springs
Heading south, we followed the Salmon River through rocky gorges and open valleys. Idaho has over 130 hot springs, but the best we found was Goldbug Hot Springs. After a 2-mile uphill hike, we reached natural pools fed by hot water. Sitting there, surrounded by mountain views, was unforgettable.
Sawtooth Mountains
Our last Idaho stop was the Sawtooth Mountains, with 57 peaks over 10,000 feet. We hiked, fished, and ended nights by the fire with s’mores. The fresh air, starlit skies, and quiet moments were the perfect end to our Idaho adventure.
Crossing Into Montana
Lolo Creek Steakhouse
Crossing briefly into Montana, we discovered the famous Lolo Creek Steakhouse. Everything about it came from the Montana wilderness—from the log walls to the animals mounted on the walls. The steaks, cooked over an open fire, were some of the best we’ve ever had.
Montana Highlights to Add
On our next trip, we plan to explore even more of Montana. Great stops include:
- Missoula – A lively town full of food, art, and history.
- Flathead Lake – One of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S.
- Glacier National Park – Mountains, glaciers, and wildlife at every turn.
- Big Sky – A favorite spot for skiing and mountain adventure.
Tips for an Idaho and Montana RV Trip
From our experience, here’s what helped most:
- Best time to go: Late spring to early fall.
- Pack layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly.
- Book ahead: RV rentals and campgrounds fill quickly.
- Plan drive times: Distances look short but take longer than expected.
Conclusion
Our journey through Idaho and Montana was more than a trip—it was an adventure filled with rivers, mountains, small towns, and quiet nights by the fire. With our RV, our dog Winky, and the open road ahead, we found the perfect balance of adventure and peace.
If you want to explore the wild beauty of the Northern Rockies, start planning your own Idaho and Montana road trip today.
