The Lolo Motorway (NF500) follows the Lewis and Clark trail across Idaho. There is numerous historical markers along the route to stop and brush up on your history. We traveled the trail west to east. There is one section that is rocky, and could be intimidating to some, but it's pretty easy. Stock rigs won't have much of a problem. I don't know what the road is like when it is wet, but it gets pretty dusty in dry weather. I chose to take Hwy 11 from Greer ID west to Weippe I'd. The Hwy turns north in Weippe, but continue straight onto Musselshell Rd. Musselshell Rd will wind around until it changes into 100, then into Lolo Creek. NF500 is just to the north of the Lolo Creek Campground. We spent the next two days exploring the Motorway. The only other traffic we saw were other overlanders on motorcycles.
There is dispersed camping all along the route. Some even have primitive rest rooms. Rocky Rigde campground has nice picnic tables and a stellar view. There are numerous side trips along the way, all of them have spectacular views. We found our campsite on one such side trip. The lookout on Castle Butte has a fire lookout to rent for the night, (contact recreation.gov for info) and a few dispersed spots. One spot is a hunting camp, it is on the west side and a short way from the trail. We chose to sleep along the road so we could get to the lookout for sunrise. (Pics to come).
There is a very nice campsite on NF588, on a small lake. We decided to drive 588 to the end and we're not disappointed. I believe it is 4 miles to the end. And plan on stopping at Indian Postoffice, another great lunch spot. We were low on gas, so we took NF569 out to Lochsa Lodge. Then over the Pass and into Missoula MT. I have already bought gas cans and holders for next time!
I would plan on three or four days to do it again. The Magruder could be added in as well.
