From Andrea:

avoid the bitter root valley

FIRES

doing evacuations

might not get through this time of year

check fire reports daily

go to Virginia City

to Helena

take 200 to 83  around the east side of Flathead Lake – better views

arrive in Kalispell

there to west glacier

hit Whitefish along the way: tiny down town and restaurants

TRAM is in Kellogg, ID east of Pinehurst on I90.

Andrea also recommended Cataldo, ID. Great scenic spot to stretch your legs, and it has Idaho’s oldest building.