Enjoy a wonderful drive to the summit of Thompson pass and beyond. Thompson Pass is at the top of Prospect Creek Rd. where it meets Montana Hwy 471 at the Montana/Idaho border (an elevation of about 4852′). This is an easy to access spot with great views, lots of trails, and a good sized parking lot that will accommodate the INWR group.
This year participants will drive on their own and meet at 9:30 am at the starting point; the Snake Pit Restaurant. Note that the Snake Pit is closed at this time in the morning, so the next known rest stop is on the pass, about an hour drive. Please plan accordingly.
To get to the Snake Pit take I-90 Eastbound to Idaho exit #43 toward Kingston (about 47 miles east of State Line ID). Turn left onto Coeur D’Alene River Road. The Snake Pit is on the right about a mile down the road.
| Snake Pit Restaurant 1480 Coeur D’ Alene River Road Kingston, ID |
If you would like to have a morning snack as you drive to the pit, there is the Rose Lake Restaurant. 11233 S Highway 3 Cataldo, ID 83810. Take the Rose Lake exit (Hwy 3) and hang a right.
The group will depart the Snake Pit at 10:00am following the river toward the town of Pritchard. We will bear left in Prichard and about a mile after passing through Prichard turn right towards Murray and Thompson Pass. Once we reach the summit members will be eligible for door prizes and swag donated by Porsche of Spokane.
With the drive officially ending at the top participants have numerous options to continue their day including:
- Hiking – There are numerous hiking trails in this area. The Blossom Lakes Trail is especially worth checking out. Leading you straight to the dreamiest, crystal-clear lakes, it’s impossible to be anything but impressed by the epic scenery and natural beauty that waits for you on this hiking trail.
- Continue on for another 40 minutes down the Montana side to Thompson Falls. As of this writing the city of Thompson Falls is open for business.
- Return back the way we came to I-90 and return home. Another possibility is to continue east on I-90 and absorb some history of the area and visit the Cataldo Mission. The mission contains the oldest standing building in Idaho.
