Danger and Panoramic Beauty of Northwest Montana US 89
Going-to-the-Sun Road is well-known as one of the most beautiful and dangerous roads in the country, but the nearby U.S. 89 offers a beauty all its own — as well as its share of hazards.
Before embarking on a trip into the wild country surrounding U.S. 89, you should know if your insurance covers hitting a deer or cattle and learn how to change a tire if you can’t get a cellphone signal to call for roadside assistance.
We'll give you tips for driving safely on the open range, and we'll also provide you with advice on the best ways to enjoy the region.
Insurance Coverage in the Wild
All drivers in the U.S. should have liability insurance. Not only is it a requirement in most of the U.S., including Montana, but it’s a wise type of coverage to carry because it can save you from financial ruin if you cause an accident and injure another party or damage property.
Rental Car Insurance
Perhaps you’re taking a family vacation to Glacier National Park, and you flew in and are renting a car. In that case, you may be tempted to forego insurance from the rental company to save money, but if you’re thinking about that option, you should make sure you have adequate alternative coverage in place.
If you have full coverage on your personal vehicle, it will likely transfer to your rental car, and you’ll have the coverage you need if you get in an accident or hit an animal.
Some credit cards have rental car coverage as a perk. Look into your card benefits, and if you have a card that covers rentals, use that card to pay for your rental.
Car Insurance for Dangerous Roads
As mentioned before, you need liability insurance coverage in Montana, but you should also make sure you have comprehensive and collision coverage, especially if you can’t afford to replace your car if something happens to it.
Highway 89 in Northwest Montana winds around mountain ranges and goes through an open range. In the open range, cattle are not fenced from roadways and are often found standing in the middle of the highway.
During the night, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting an animal. Even during the daytime, if you drive around a curve too quickly, you may be surprised by a big cow standing right in your lane.
Comprehensive insurance is the type of coverage that protects you from financial loss when you hit an animal. And since you have a higher risk of hitting a deer or cattle in Montana than in most other states, you should make sure you have comprehensive coverage before your trip. Also, be sure to pack emergency supplies in case you get stranded for a few hours.
Things to Do Along US 89 in Northwest Montana
U.S. Highway 89 (US 89) runs north-south in Montana, spanning roughly 400.5 miles (644.5 km) from Yellowstone National Park to the Canadian border. Serving as a key tourist artery, it links the renowned Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Notably, the stretch between US 12 and US 87 is dubbed the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. This segment winds through the Little Belt Mountains within the Lewis and Clark National Forest and offers an abundance of wildlife sightings and recreational activities for those journeying its path. A portion of the highway hugs the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, so you’ll want to plan to spend some time in the park.
Glacier National Park
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you’ll need to reserve your entrance tickets for Going-to-the-Sun Road entering the park at Apgar and St. Mary’s.
Check Recreation.gov to find out specifics about how and when to reserve your tickets. If you’re unable to procure entrance tickets, you can still visit the park at the Two Medicine, Cut Bank, and Many Glacier entrances, but you will not have access to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Additionally, you can enter the park without a timed entry ticket before 6 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Choteau, Montana
The town of Choteau is welcoming and has a lot of fun activities for families. The area's geology doesn’t just present breathtaking vistas, but it is also home to dinosaur fossils. You can go on a guided dinosaur dig or check out the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center.
There’s a focus on the great outdoors in the town, and you can take guided trips fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. But the town also has an array of dining options, including bars, bakeries, and quaint cafes.
So, whether you’re car camping, studying dinosaurs, or riding horses deep into the wilderness, Choteau has something for you.
Flathead National Forest
The Flathead National Forest offers seemingly endless recreational opportunities. The land is as beautiful as Glacier National Park, and it’s less crowded, so many outdoor adventure seekers plan their trips around the National Forest.
Driving Safely on the Open Range
The fact that cattle roam freely around some sections of U.S. 89 is just one of the potentially dangerous driving conditions. Wild animals also live in the wildland surrounding the highway, and they frequently cross the road to get from one habitat to another.
Besides those issues, the road hugs the mountainside, and some of the tight curves with steep drop-offs don’t even have guardrails. You must drive as safely as possible because the road wasn’t built for safety.
Don’t Overdrive Your Headlights
If you can avoid driving at night, you should. Wild animals are more active at night than they are during the day. Also, all roadway obstacles are easier to see in the daylight.
But if you must drive at night, keep your speed down so that you have time to stop once your headlights pick up on something in the road.
Service Your Vehicle
Before embarking on a trip over dangerous roadways, you should ensure your vehicle is as reliable as possible. Have your mechanic do a quick inspection of your car and fix any weaknesses.
For example, if your brakes are nearing the end of their life, have them replaced, make sure your tires are in good condition, and clean your headlights so you can see as well as possible.
Make a Plan for Dealing With Car Problems
Some stretches of highway don’t have a cellular signal, so if your tire blows, you’ll probably have to change it yourself rather than calling the Progressive roadside assistance number. So, plan and pack a tool kit, inspect your spare tire, and purchase emergency flares to warn other drivers as they approach you before they can see you around the curves of the road.
One of the reasons U.S. 89 is so dangerous in Northwest Montana is that the land is untamed. And that’s also what makes it one of the best and most beautiful places to travel. With some extra preparation and care while driving, it might become one of your favorite drives ever.