Through Idaho and Into Montana

I completed my second state today. I started at the Washington/Idaho state line in Newport, Washington, this morning. At the end of the day--and 83-1/3 miles later--I was 12 miles into Montana, about one mile north of the intersection of Montana State Highways 200 and 56. I will now spend the next 12 days or so getting across Montana from west to east. It's Big Sky Country and I will ride over 800 miles through the state.

I rode down State Street in Newport, Washington, which is the Washington/Idaho state line. At this bend of State Street, I was in Idaho. Just around that corner, some guy in a white pickup truck yelled some obscenity at me for I-don't-know-what. Welcome to Idaho...again! (The driver of a different white pickup rolled coal at me when I briefly entered Idaho two days ago.)

I probably could have posted about this anytime from my first day of riding. I am more-or-less following US Bicycle Route 10 and I see multiple signs for it each day.

Sandpoint, Idaho, was a neat looking town. It was quite touristy, but people seemed friendlier there than on the back country roads that I had been riding in the morning.

Near Hope, East Hope, and Clark Fork, I encountered a lot of smoke from forest fires. This picture of Lake Pend Oreille doesn't do it justice, but it was very hazy and smoky smelling.



Just before leaving Idaho, there was a quarry on the other side of the road that had many, many rusted old cars of all kinds lining the property. It was interesting.

Welcome to Montana!

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 15, 2025 at 6:51 AM

    When there is not much traffic, do you find a feeling of a peace of mind, mainly of thinking about what you're seeing (so much more than from a car)? Even not thinking much about the miles to go or your next rest stop?
    Also, I'll second some of the thoughts and comments about Lailla SAGing for you. I can relate as to how great it is to have the companion at the end of the day, not to mention not needing to haul about 30 pounds with you.

    ReplyDelete

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