When you live in the fourth largest state in the country, you get used to driving long distances. I'd also go as far as saying that most Montanans love a good road trip. There is a special sort of defies-the-space-time-continuum math that happens when comparing driving times in Montana to say, the east coast. A two-hour drive in Massachusetts is like a five-hour drive in Montana.

When on an epic road trip and you're driving west, most people will use Missoula and Coeur d'Alene as the cities to make a stop, whether for a munchy or to stay the night. But, either because of the weather or because you're on a long haul, you might find yourself needing to stop between the two cities. If you've ever found yourself in this situation then you know: there aren't a lot of hotels to choose from.

The stretch of interstate between Missoula and Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful, winding drive along rivers, through trees, and around lake Coeur d'Alene. But the towns along that stretch are pretty small. Still, there are a few places you can stay.

Big Sky Motel, Superior, Montana

With a convenient location, free wifi, and breakfast, the Big Sky Motel makes for a good stop when you're passing through. One reviewer said, "What a pleasant surprise! Stayed 1 night on our way home from a 10 day motorcyle trip and by far the best bedding of all the places we stayed!"

Google Reviews: 4.2 stars

Alpine Falls Ranch, Superior, Montana

For a more luxurious stay, the Alpine Falls Ranch might make an epic destination after a long road trip. It's expensive by local standards, so you might need to split the cost of a room between friends.

Google Reviews: 5.0 stars

Wallace Inn, Wallace, Idaho

This hotel is a personal favorite of mine because my family often stopped in Wallace on our way to Washington to have breakfast at the Wallace Inn. I remember they had the best bacon and cheddar omelet and after we ate we wandered around the adjoining gift shop.

Google Reviews: 4.1 stars

Silver Inn, Kellogg, Idaho

Once you arrive in Kellogg there are a few more places to stay. The Silver Inn points out that it's "30 minutes from Coeur d'Alene...conveniently located between Seattle and Glacier National Park."

Google Reviews: 4.1 stars

Happy travels, and if you have a tip about other roadside gems between Missoula and Coeur d'Alene let us know!

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