Best time of year for Eastern Washington Western Montana?
06-25-18, 03:43 PM
#1
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Best time of year for Eastern Washington Western Montana?
In the spirit of CEPP1's thread
I have a question on eastern Washington western Montana. I am considering riding from Spokane to Whitefish in 2019. While weather is an important factor, I am also worried about fire.
I usually like traveling in September. Kids are back in school and most of the vactioners are off the road. Plus by September I am in pretty good shape after a long cold winter.
But I understand that fire might be a concern in September The earlier in the yer you can go the better is what I was told. I have been to British Columbia in winter and have seen the fire trucks but never any real smoke to be concerned over.
Thoughts on fire in western Montana in early September?
I have a question on eastern Washington western Montana. I am considering riding from Spokane to Whitefish in 2019. While weather is an important factor, I am also worried about fire.
I usually like traveling in September. Kids are back in school and most of the vactioners are off the road. Plus by September I am in pretty good shape after a long cold winter.
But I understand that fire might be a concern in September The earlier in the yer you can go the better is what I was told. I have been to British Columbia in winter and have seen the fire trucks but never any real smoke to be concerned over.
Thoughts on fire in western Montana in early September?
06-25-18, 05:27 PM
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August is usually the worst fire and smoke month. Things usually quiet down quite quickly in September. I’d suggest the last half of September to be on the safe side.
06-25-18, 05:41 PM
#3
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Not too cold then (above 10C during day) ? I won't be camping. Highest I would be would be Whitefish Am I still safe weather wise even till the end of September? And does no fire mean more rain??
06-25-18, 06:34 PM
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Predicting the weather is beyond me, especially in the mountains 
but, in general, late September is very pleasant with moderate weather that is great for riding. It’s a bit wetter but we’re not like the coast where you can get monsoon like rains. Nor do we usually get big thunderstorms (like we’re having now) that late in the year. All in all it’s good riding around then.
but, in general, late September is very pleasant with moderate weather that is great for riding. It’s a bit wetter but we’re not like the coast where you can get monsoon like rains. Nor do we usually get big thunderstorms (like we’re having now) that late in the year. All in all it’s good riding around then.
06-25-18, 08:00 PM
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Two thoughts to remember about later in September early October, days get shorter (quicker in the mountains - shadows) and the temperatures move apart. By that I mean you will need cold weather gear for the evenings & mornings while the middle of the day you may want summer clothes. I only bring this up for your packing and mileage schedule. That said August's vacation traffic is something to avoid.
06-25-18, 08:14 PM
#6
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Two thoughts to remember about later in September early October, days get shorter (quicker in the mountains - shadows) and the temperatures move apart. By that I mean you will need cold weather gear for the evenings & mornings while the middle of the day you may want summer clothes. I only bring this up for your packing and mileage schedule. That said August's vacation traffic is something to avoid.
It is going down to 50F at night and will be in the 60Fs in the morning. Miles will be kept short on the WA / MT trip.
Is the valley from the western MT border to Whitefish really considered mountains?
06-26-18, 07:17 AM
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06-26-18, 07:40 AM
#8
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Willamette
There are fires in the other one.
There are fires in the other one.
06-27-18, 04:33 AM
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