Overview

Mountain curves and flat straightaways flanked by towering mountain peaks, lush coniferous forests, and scenic rivers and lakes is what you will find on a Missoula motorcycle tour. With these picturesque conditions paired with hundreds of miles of mountain logging roads and remote passes, you could ride for days and still not put a dent in the area.

For day trips, overnights, or longer, the mountains and valleys that surround Missoula will leave you grinning from ear to ear with every curve you encounter. Take one of these suggested routes or go and explore on your own.

Where to go on a Missoula Motorcycle Tour

Swan River Valley/ Flathead Valley

This is an absolutely beautiful ride! Hwy 83 north passes through the Swan River Valley. The road is dotted with glacial lakes and offers eastern views of the snow covered peaks and dense forest of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and to the west, the backside of the Mission Mountains. Then you swing around the east side of the picturesque Flathead Lake before returning to Missoula via Hwy 93 south.

Hwy 83 offers a well maintained, two lane paved road with sparse traffic. The road is fairly straight until you reach the narrow and windy road that takes you east around the lake. From here traffic picks up as you head south down Hwy 93.

Fuel up before you leave because Hwy 83 offers little in terms of food and fuel. Around Flathead Lake you will have no problem, as little towns dot the lake and provide plenty of amenities. This fantastic ride is about 228 miles round trip, just perfect for a sunny, summer day ride through the mountains.

Skalkho Pass Road

Visit one of Montana's remote, scenic roads. From the start, this drive is full of mouth dropping scenery. Hwy 93 south takes you past the looming peaks and deep canyons of the Bitterroot Mountains and the calm waters of the famed Bitterroot River before turning into the Sapphire Mountains via Skalkho Hwy/ Hwy 38. Here, the partially gravel road climbs providing amazing vistas of the valley below. Take a break and enjoy the beautiful, cascading waters of Skalkho Falls. From here, the road twists its way back down to the gentler eastern side which offers views of Rock Creek.

Skalkho Pass Road is rarely frequented, so traffic won't be a problem. It is partially gravel, look out for a few washboards along the way. This is very remote, so fuel up in Hamilton before you leave on this 50 plus mile outing. The ride from Philipsburg back to Missoula along I-90 west offers plenty of amenities.

Lolo Pass to Powell, ID

This is one of the most famed rides in all of the northwest! Make it an out and back day trip from Missoula or spend the night and kick back some beer with the locals after an incredible day of riding. From Missoula, head south on Hwy 93 to Lolo and start your journey on Hwy 12 west. Build some speed on the nice straightaways and then enjoy a warm-up on some nice twisties before you even reach the ascent.

At the top of the pass, there is a nice Visitor's Center, a great place to take a quick breather before the truly awesome portion of this ride. Just past the Visitor's Center the famed “Windy Road Next 77 Miles” sign will come into few. You will quickly find your rhythm as you lean your way down the mountain, curve by curve.

Twelve miles later you come to the intersection of the Lochsa Lodge and Powell Ranger Station. The Lodge is popular with bikers and offers a nice deck, descent food, and the last place to fuel up for almost 65 miles. From here, turn back around to Missoula or continue down the windy road to Lewiston, ID (on the Idaho/Washington border). The road conditions are better on the Montana side then in Idaho. Plan on filling up in Lolo before you leave. You will be talking about this ride for years to come!

Magruder Corridor

Cut through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The Magruder Corridor is a 101 mile stretch of gravel and dirt that stretches from Darby, MT to Red River, ID. This is a long, hard, 4 to 5 hour ride with no amenities or refuel points. Not for the weak rider. Starting from Missoula, Hwy 93 south provides wonderful views of the Bitterroot Mountain range before your turn off at Darby. Check with the Bitterroot National Forest for road conditions before hitting the road.

Rentals & Guides

Missoula motorcycle trips can't be beat! Sometime there just isn't enough time to ride your own bike to your travel destination, no problem. There are a number of rental agencies in the area that can provide you with touring bikes, hard and soft panniers, tank bags, riding gear, helmets, and maps. The option of styles and sizes is impressive.

Don't know where to ride, ask a guide. The guides in the area can arrange personal or group tours for both pavement and non-pavement rides. Tours are a great way to meet and interact with like minded folks who love to ride while. Book a tour and let the guides plan a Missoula motorcycle adventure for you. It is sure to be a vacation to remember.