jrs1871
Kansas
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We are headed to Calgary, AB this summer and plan to go to Glacier National Park on the way. We are looking at taking US 87 from Billings to Great Falls and us 89 from Great Falls to St. Mary. Is that a decent route over which to pull a 34 ft. fifth wheel? I figure because they are US highways that there would not be low overpasses or bridges, but want to be sure.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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That is a perfectly good route. I have always preferred going up the West side taking state route 83 because the scenery is so great but if you're heading on north from the park taking 89 would be a better option.
Good luck / Skip
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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We drove route 89 from Great Falls up to St. Mary back in early June 2010. The section between Great Falls and Browning is an easy drive across the plains with with only a few short ups and downs. From Browning we took Starr School Road to rejoin 89 further on. This cut off some of the twists and turns on 89. There is a climb and descent on 89 going into St. Mary, but it isn't serious mountain driving at all.
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vermilye
Oswego, NY, USA
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2X on Starr School road short cut from Browning.
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tjholyoke
Maine
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Take the alternate route in Browning. Worked two summers at the St. Mary KOA. Could always tell by the white knuckles and the smell of brakes who came in on 89!!
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jrs1871
Kansas
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Thanks for the responses. Always like to avoid white knuckle drives when ever possible. We flatlanders would rather take the easiest route possible.
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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There are two options to 89 at Browning and both are better than the 89.
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jrs1871
Kansas
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We have driven in mountains and can handle it fine. It is just if a better route is available, particularly less curves, we prefer to use those routes. Sounds like the Starr School road is the way to go. It also cuts a few miles off.
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john&bet
North Vernon,in.
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When we visit Great Falls we take MT3 from Billings to Lavina,US-12 to Harlowton then MT3/US191 to Moore then US87/MT200 on in. This cuts off a few miles and time.
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paulj
Seattle
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But maybe you should stick with US89 from Browning; it would get you used to mountain driving! It's only the foothills of the Rockies, not real mountains. If you head any further west, you will need to cross some passes or drive along a river or two.
My ownly qualm about the last leg of 89 is that it can be tiring at the end of a long day's drive. If you are fresh it can be a pleasant rolling drive.
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