Driving Time between Boise, Idaho and Missoula, Montana

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip from Boise to Missoula: A Scenic Adventure

Are you planning a road trip from Boise to Missoula? This scenic adventure is perfect for road trippers who love to explore the great outdoors. In this article, we’ll give you a few options for traveling between Boise and Missoula, the distance for each route, and the approximate travel times.

Route 1: I-90 East

The first and most direct route is taking I-90 East. This route covers a distance of approximately 365 miles and will take around 6 hours to complete. The I-90 route takes you through some iconic scenery, such as Coeur d’Alene, Flathead Lake, and the Rocky Mountains.

Recommendations:

  • Stop by Coeur d’Alene Lake and soak in the beautiful view of the alpine lake.
  • Make a quick detour to Silverwood Theme Park and ride on some thrilling rollercoasters.
  • Grab a bite at Montana’s Rib and Chop House, a popular steakhouse in Missoula.

Route 2: Highway 12

The second route is to take Highway 12, which will take you on a 475-mile scenic drive that winds through the Bitteroot Mountains and Lolo National Forest. The travel time is around 8 hours and allows for some unforgettable sights.

Recommendations:

  • Visit the Stanley Museum and learn about the gold rush history of the region.
  • Stop by Hamilton’s Main Street and grab a snack at one of the local eateries.
  • Check out the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge and look out for elk, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Route 3: Highway 93

The third route is to take Highway 93, which runs parallel to the Rockies and takes you through the beautiful towns of Salmon and Hamilton. The distance of this route is around 475 miles, and you should allow for about 9 hours of travel time.

Recommendations:

  • Stop by the historic town of Salmon and visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center.
  • Take a break at Lost Trail Hot Springs and soak in the therapeutic waters.
  • Enjoy dinner at the famous Missoula Mansion and savor the delicious cuisine.

Tips for the road trip

Regardless of the route you choose, you should plan your road trip well in advance, pack comfortable road trip outfits and snacks, and ensure your car is in good condition. Here are some other tips to make your journey comfortable:

  • Bring plenty of food and drinks, as some stretches of the highway have no restaurants or convenience stores.
  • Make sure you have plenty of car games, music, and audiobooks.
  • Charge your phone and bring a portable charger or a car charger.
  • Consider renting a car instead of taking your own, especially if you’re going on a long road trip.

Whether you’re taking the scenic I-90 or exploring the winding countryside of Highway 12 or 93, the road trip from Boise to Missoula is one that will leave you with memories for years to come. Enjoy your adventure!