Video Trip Report: The Historic Lolo Motorway, ID

[greekspeedoman]

Recently, I was doing some spring cleaning (cleaning up some hard drives) when I found some forgotten film footage from last summer (2009). It is of the jPod’s second trip -but first off-road adventure- on the Lolo Motorway in the Nez Perce National Forest.

Here’s the short video I made of our trip with Nathan, Erin, Carl, and the jPod crew. Senior Management and I have watched this final cut several times and both agree that we must do this again. Be sure you watch to the end as I tossed in an extra.

http://www.overlandtrailer.com/2010/06/06/the-lolo-red-carpet/

[john]

Thank you. I am consumed with envy.

Our trip west last year took us through that area. We stuck to HWY 12 as my camper would be wholly unable to cope with Lolo. Riding the river's edge was great, though, and I hope to drive that way again.

Perhaps I will get to that area in my blog in a month or so.

Thanks for reigniting the memories.

[2bits]

That's a beautiful drive and it is really cool to see a Teardrop in action off road! I like the idea you are doing to bring the history into the classroom as well! Thanks!

[greekspeedoman]

Glad you liked the video 2bits & John.

Highway 12 is a beautiful drive and there are little secret hot springs in the woods off of the highway. If you're passing through again, PM me and I'll give you some GPS coordinates for the best hot springs in the area.

A lot of the Lolo Motorway looks down on highway 12 from about 9,000 feet.

It is a great trip & one I recommend to anyone who has the trailer & tow rig to do it. It doesn't look very steep in the video but where I'm pulling the jPod up the hill was about 17% on loose rock. That was some fun driving. Backing out was even more fun. ha ha.

[Wolffarmer]

Fantastic trip. Highway 12 is one of my favorite roads. I have never done the Motorway though. I wonder if my Suzuki Vitara/Chey tracker could make that climb. Would have to replace the tires that came on it.

Wonderful video and pictures. Many thanks for a reminder of my stomping grounds for all the years it took me to get my BS at the UofI.

Randy

[greekspeedoman]

As far as the climb, I spent quite a bit of time in Low 4WD in the Jeep. I'm not sure what your rig can do. If you pick the right month (August) the water/mud crossings and snowbanks aren't as deep either (2-4 inches).

I highly recommend this trip. It is great.

[Wolffarmer]

I am just worried about being at altitude and pulling a trailer and running out of power. I have pulled it up some pretty good slopes but at around 5000 feet. Nothing like having low range.

[35thAV]

I love that area! I head out there every Memorial Day Weekend to raft the mighty Lochsa River....looks like I need to plan a side trip next year!

[john]

I think I remember seeing a sign pointing up to the Devil's Chair. I don't remember now if I saw only a sign giving directions or seeing a sign pointing at the rocks. The rock formation did look familiar.