Hwy 287 - Idaho Falls to Helena, Montana

West Yellowstone was a lovely short two hour drive on Hwy 287.  It was a joy to not be on an Interstate, however, they do not slow down the speed limit.  70 Mph on a two lane with no shoulders and no guard rails.  Tough on Kaye.


We were recommended to stop at a Ranger Station and inquire about passes into the National Parks for military personnel.  The lady I spoke with had heard something of the program but her understanding was that it was for currently serving members.  The station we stopped at was a State Park Ranger and we never did get to the National Park so if anyone knows the answer please advise.  I could not find anything on the CF Appreciation Site about National Parks.


We arrived at Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone and they were closed for lunch.  It is a massive RV park and obviously one of the most popular but this is truly "Off Season".  We drove past hundreds of motels, hotels and RV parks getting here.  Many still had; "Closed for the Season" signs.  There were also hundreds of SkiDoo rentals.  This park and resort area is obviously huge but it hides its expanse very well.


This is Fly Fisherman Country.  Lodge after Lodge after Lodge.  Disney Land for outdoor lovers.  

We made lunch in the trailer and read the notice boards at the RV Park.  No fresh water hoses are allowed to stay connected to RVs as the overnight low will be -5.  Too cold for Kaye, we will be back!


Our new plan is to race for Helena, MT, the state capital.  It is out of the mountains, in the grass lands of cattle country.  We can make it there before dark.





If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone from Canada (eg heading South) then I have to recommend you travel South on Hyw 287 from Helena vice the faster route on the Interstate.  The road is very good, the traffic is light and the scenery is breathtaking.  The road winds its way along the Missouri River and then climbs into the mountains following the Madison River.  You will cross grass lands, then cattle country, then high foothills and finally an Earthquake Lake formation on the Madison River before reaching heavy trees and tons of wildlife.  We did not see Bears, but Bison were being guarded at the side of the road by Rangers and Big Horn Sheep and Deer were everywhere.  Photo Album.


We are in the Lincoln RV Park, about 8 miles out of Helena, North off the I15.  Clean and well kept.  Nothing fancy, VG WiFi but as it is the only park available for another 100 miles to the North so we will be staying.  Tomorrow we will see if the State Capital Museum is open on a Tuesday in May...The military museum is not.