A buddy on here texted me tonight to check in and mentioned he saw this thread so I will offer some tips that you may not find doing research on the web.
1) buy a wolf tag if you go up there when the season is open. I've missed a wolf out near Liz Butte in 2018 and have heard them all the nights I stayed out there for work. The moose and elk will thank you if you shoot one.
2) Go midweek as there are less folks out there during the week. Weekends can be very busy out there and some of the more premium dispersed camping spots will be claimed.
3) Bring a saw and plenty of gas. Always was stuff to cut out of the road whenever I went up there.
4) A bunch of the ATV trails/motorcycle trails in the area are not traveled often so they can be a bit of an adventure.
5) Stop by the fire lookouts on your way through.
6) bring a camera/phone. It is gorgeous and regret not taking more pictures.
7) depending on the year, there may be closures/smoke impacts on the motorway. A lot of the area is a "fire use" area so most of the fires are allowed to burn.
Along highway 12 can be a *censored* show on the weekends. Lots of idiots on motorcycles and lots of wrecks. Avoid major weekends if you are looking at hanging out or fishing the Lochsa at all.
Have fun!
