On my last leg of our trip at the end of July we are going from St. Marys to Missoula can anyone comment on the route. I see at least 3 routes that I might take. After doing the GTTS road from east to west we can either do the west side of Flathead lake or the east side of Flathead Lake or Highway 83. We have all day as we fly out of Missoula the next day.
Also does anyone have a lodging suggestion for Missoula?

Thanks

GP

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Both roads around flathead are nice the west side is a little more open and the east side is more wooded, nice little towns and great views of the lake. I would recommend the east side of the lake and take a stop in big fork for lunch or breakfast-cool town. In missoula I would recommend staying somewhere close to downtown, as downtown missoula is great a lot of shops, art galleries and bars. I can't think of the name but there is a hotel right along the clark fork river that always looked nice. the peach tree possibly?????

You should be in luck and be there when all the cherries are ripe around Flathead Lake.

We drove the east side and there were lots of cherry stands or you could pick your own, which we really enjoyed.

Very pretty drive also.

Hello from Northwest Montana.
Either side of Flathead lake is a scenic drive. The west side will be a little faster as the road is better with GREAT views of the lake(highway 93) Be aware that this is a 2 lane road and heavily travelled in the tourist season. Highway 83 is also very scenic via Swan Lake but will take you a bit east of Missoula. Highway 35 the East side of Flathead Lake will eventually take you to highway 93 just south of Polson, Mt.
All 3 highways are 2 lane, all will be heavily travelled, all are scenic.
Personally I would use highway 93 to Missoula.
The motel that is directly on the Clark river in Missoula is the Double Tree. There also is a holiday Inn and a Holiday Inn Express plus just about all the other chains. Shouldn't be difficult getting a room.
Have a great trip.