Flathead Lake Montana Route

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by PianoManCJS, Jun 25, 2026.

  1. PianoManCJS

    PianoManCJS Medium Load Member

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    Should I go east (blue) or west (red) to get to Kalispell? Screenshot_20260625_190856_Trucker Path.jpg
     
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  3. PianoManCJS

    PianoManCJS Medium Load Member

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    70,000lb, tandems forward
     
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  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I go east most of the time. Road is narrower on the east side. West side has more room.

    You're fine either way.
     
  5. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

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    Sturgis,SD
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    I have never been on the East side but West side is great and beautiful.
     
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  6. PianoManCJS

    PianoManCJS Medium Load Member

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    I went ahead and did west...I had my 8hr clock running out.
     
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  7. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Depending on where you’re going the east side will be faster most of the time even with the lower speed limit. It doesn’t have the hills the west side has.
     
  8. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    Like mentioned east side is way faster. Less wildlife too. I used to truck that road everyday, multiple times a day for years... Enjoy the ride. I miss it up there
     
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  9. PianoManCJS

    PianoManCJS Medium Load Member

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    A friend picked me up and took me to their cabin on Finley Point for my 34hr break...we took the eastside and, yep a bit narrower, I'd have probably been throwing that beer load all over those lane ruts, but I could have taken it. Either way, I still got to Kalispell earlier today 10min before my 8hr clock ended and right on time for the delivery. So, all is good.
     
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  10. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Apr 26, 2013
    Gettin' down westbound
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    Nothing to worry about , all the local trucks take the east route and they are pulling doubles or maxi trailers grossing 100k+.. ive probably hit a dozen or more deer on the west route going up to marion early in the morning just be careful if ur coming back thru there in the darkness.. those dam deer and elk are everywhere
     
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  11. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
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    They seem to have nothing to live for.
    Sad.
     
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