There’s a certain rhythm to life on the road, a cadence you get to know well when you’re putting thousands of miles behind you. Part of that rhythm is knowing where you can find the essentials, no matter what time of day or night it is. When you’re barreling down I-90, with the vast, pine studded landscapes of North Idaho stretching out on all sides, that rhythm often leads you to the familiar, comforting glow of a Flying J. It’s a beacon for road warriors, a promise of fuel, hot coffee, and, most importantly for us RVers, a reliable place to handle the business of our black and grey tanks. The Flying J in Post Falls, just off Exit 2, is a perfect example of this. It’s not the fanciest stop you’ll ever make, but it’s dependable, it’s always open, and it has everything you need to get reset and back on your adventure.
This particular stop is strategically brilliant. You’re right there on the main corridor between Spokane, Washington, and the stunning beauty of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. For many of us, this is a launching point. You might be heading east, making the final push toward the high country of Montana and the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. Or maybe you’re sticking around to explore the local gems. You could be planning a few days of kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, fly fishing the Spokane River, or getting in a beautiful hike at Q’emiln Park. Whatever your plans, you need your rig to be ready, and that starts with empty tanks. This Flying J is the perfect “quick hit” stop before you dive into that next chapter of your trip.
Let’s be real about the truck stop experience. It’s a world unto itself. Pulling in, you immediately join a dance of massive commercial trucks, other RVs, and cars full of weary travelers. You’ll hear the constant rumble of diesel engines and the hiss of air brakes, a soundtrack that is both gritty and, in its own way, reassuring. It means the place is alive and operational around the clock. You’ll want to follow the signs for RVs, which usually guide you around the main truck fueling islands to a dedicated lane. At this Post Falls location, the dump station is situated just west of the diesel islands.
The process is typically straightforward. You’ll pull up to the dump pad, swipe a card at a kiosk, and get to work. Most Flying J locations charge a fee, which is usually around ten dollars, especially if you use their rewards card. It’s a small price to pay for the convenience. However, one piece of road-tested wisdom for this specific location is about space. Some fellow travelers have noted that maneuvering a larger rig, say anything over 30 or 35 feet, can be a bit tight. This is where you need to put on your captain’s hat, take it slow, and don’t be afraid to take a wider turn than you think you need. The last thing you want is to clip a curb or a signpost. It’s a good idea to have your co pilot hop out and act as a spotter if you’re at all unsure.
Now for the amenities, which is where a travel center truly shines. Obviously, you have both gasoline and diesel at your fingertips, with high canopies that can accommodate even the tallest Class A rigs. This is the perfect time to top off your tank, especially if you’re about to tackle some of Idaho’s challenging mountain grades. Inside, you’ll find the familiar comforts: restrooms that are cleaned frequently, a Cinnabon or a Subway for a quick bite, and an endless supply of coffee. One of the best perks, especially after a few days of boondocking or a dusty hike, is the showers. You can reserve a spot using the myRewards Plus app right from your phone, which is a great way to avoid waiting in line. A hot shower can wash away the grime of the road and make you feel human again.
There are a couple of important things to note for your planning. The information on this spot doesn’t explicitly mention a dedicated rinse water spigot right at the dump pad. This is a critical piece of intel. As a rule, you should always travel with at least a gallon or two of your own non potable water and a short hose specifically for rinsing your sewer hose and the surrounding area. You can usually buy a jug of water inside the store if you’re in a pinch, but it’s always better to be self sufficient. Also, while there are plenty of trash cans around the main forecourt, there often isn’t one right at the dump station. Be prepared to double bag any waste from the process, like used gloves, and carry it to the main trash receptacles near the store entrance. It’s just good etiquette to leave the dump pad cleaner than you found it.
For those of us traveling with furry co pilots, it’s also good to know the rules. Most travel centers have strict policies about pets not being allowed on the main walkways or near the food court areas due to health codes. You’ll want to find a grassy patch on the outskirts of the parking lot for a quick relief walk.
To make your stop here as smooth as possible, timing can be everything. The breakfast and dinner rushes can be chaotic, with long haul truckers and travelers all vying for space. I’ve found that the best time to pull in for a dump is mid afternoon, somewhere between 1 and 3 p.m. The morning rush has died down, and the evening one hasn’t yet begun. Approaching from West 5th Avenue can also help you get a better angle to align with the dump lane curb. And a final pro tip: bring an extra length of sewer hose if you have one. Sometimes the placement of the drain requires a bit more reach than you’d expect, and it’s always better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
So, here’s the bottom line. The Flying J in Post Falls is the workhorse of I-90 dump stations. It’s not a scenic resort, but it delivers exactly what it promises: 24/7 access to all the core services an RVer needs. Despite the potential for a tight squeeze, its value lies in its unwavering reliability. You can fuel up your rig, fill up your belly, empty your tanks, and even grab a hot shower, all in one efficient stop. It’s the perfect, practical pit stop that gets you back on the road to chase those incredible Idaho and Montana sunsets.
3636 W 5th Ave, Post Falls, ID 83854
(208) 773-0593
Cost: Price not available
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/id/post-falls/3636-w.-5th-avenue