Day 5 - Kalispell, Montana to Northport, Washington
July 23 - 350 miles
My plan was to head west on highway 2 for the better part of the day. I had
a conversation with a couple riding a Goldwing in the morning.
I had some beautiful open roads ahead of me.
I crossed the Kootenay River at Bonners Ferry and stopped to stretch and
take a few photos. Chad pulled up for lunch at the Kootenai River Brewing
Company and we had a visit. He showed me a book with maps of great
motorcycle rides and described a few in the area. Google maps has the
spelling "Kootenay" and the brewing company uses the spelling "Kootenai". It
appears both spellings are in use.
Back into Idaho and some more beautiful open roads.
Highway 2 crosses into Washington at the town of Newport. I stopped for a
map check and noticed that the town of Ione was only about an hour north.
Having relatives there I gave them a call and asked if they would mind an
impromptu visit. I headed north on highway 20 stopping for a photo of the
Pend Oreille River.
I had a glass of water and short visit in Ione and then being so close to
Canada decided to loop through Canada. The border crossings in and out were
quite small so no cars at all ahead (or behind) me and each crossing took
about 1 minute.
The Columbia River just outside the town of Montrose, Canada.
After crossing back into the United states it was getting late and I was at
350 miles for the day. I had been told that Colville was my best bet for
lodging. That was still an hour south as well as involving a bit of
backtracking east out of my way. When I hit the small town of Northport,
Washington just across the border my motorcycle GPS was telling me to head
east on 4th street leading me off the minor highway 25. I continued on 25
for a couple miles then stopped to consult my phone GPS. Google maps was
advising me to continue on Highway 25 but with a later arrival than the
motorcycle GPS. I was tired and had noticed a tavern / grill back in town. I
headed back and stopped to talk with a fellow out walking with his kids. He
said that everyone in town would know Art and Nina that manage some places
to stay in town and the tavern would likely have their phone number. I spoke
with Art and took my credit card information for a very reasonably priced
stay at the Columbia Cottages just a few minutes walk from the tavern.
Another place to stay, also managed by Art and Nina, was across the street
from the cabins where I stayed.
The fellow running the tavern / grill said that closing time depended on how
many people were there but they would be open for at least another hour. It
was a hot and long day and I didn't want to get thrown out of the place so I
got a really quick shower and changed into clean clothes and walked down the
street for dinner. The hardware store had a for sale sign out but the closed
sign was illuminated so I guess it is still in business.
I had pizza and beer at the Rivertown Grill. Good pizza and 4 pieces left
which became my breakfast and lunch the following day.
Link to next day, July 24.
Back to trip overview.