Our original timeline did not include a scenic drive through Idaho, but after reading Just5MoreMinutes.com and her experience along the Lochsa River (pronounced Lock-Saw), we modified our plans and found a truly memorable place.
It’s not far from Flathead Lake to the border of Idaho, and we enjoyed the short drive into the great unknown. Route 12 closely follows the trail Lewis & Clark took as they headed toward the west coast of the country. I did enough research ahead of time to know Clearwater National Forest allows free camping along the river, so we drove Highway 12 until we found a spot we liked.
I don’t want to forget to give a little shout-out to the Lochsa Lodge, where we stopped to grab a couple of spectacularly delicious cheeseburgers before continuing into the wilderness. It’s also where we enjoyed our first peek at the wild river. http://www.lochsalodge.com
We ended up stopping near mile marker 137 at the White Pines river access site
It was beautiful and remote, so we set up camp for a few days to enjoy the perfect weather and our own private beach. There is another (even better) spot at about the same mile marker, but some squatter had parked their nasty old trailer there and left it. It wasn’t occupied and nobody ever came to the spot while we were there…camping foul! But we had no complaints about the campsite we chose. It was magnificent. Check it out:
On Sunday we were determined to watch the Colts play football. Alas, Bob’s satellite couldn’t locate a signal, so instead we enjoyed our morning coffee by the campfire and listened to Bob Lamey call the game via the truck’s satellite radio! Since we had no neighbors, we turned it up loud and rolled down the window. Voila…football.
Football: Ya gotta want it
Because there were no hookups, our generator got quite a bit of use. Bob has become an expert at tapping our truck gasoline via the GasTapper!
We spent our days fishing, exploring the narrow strip of wilderness, playing with the dogs, reading, and lounging by the campfire. Why do we camp? Days like these…
Vera Playing!
One evening I was sitting by the water watching the sunset and noticed several otters playing RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!
The beautiful Lochsa River in Idaho
Becky,
Thank you so much for sharing your BEAUTIFUL pictures with us! Montana has my heart and I will someday go back, but will live vicariously through your pictures! I love that you all aren’t afraid to camp off the grid, that is something I will have to be brave and try. Safe travels!
Julie
We weren’t sure about trying it, but now we are spoiled rotten. We no longer want to be in RV parks with neighbors!
You could give Ansel Adams a run for his money!
{curtsy…}
Becky,
I have been following your adventures as I am so in love with Airstreams and especially your cute decor. If you make it back to Idaho or Idahome as we like to call it. You must, MUST make a trip to the Sawtooth Mountains! Well worth the drive and a lot of clear water for Vera to swim in. Can’t wait to read more. Thanks for sharing your adventures. – Pattie
I know we will be back. It was just a wonderful destination!!
Love these pics. Thanks so much for sharing. I want to run away right now and go there!
Thanks for reading this little blog. It’s a great feeling to know you are out there enjoying it. RUN AWAY and travel…right now!