When you want road trip ideas from Seattle, consider this 3-hour drive from Seattle to Astoria, Oregon. Recommended reading: April to May is spring in the area, but the temperatures can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack warm clothes if you plan to visit during this period. This condo in downtown Jackson is a convenient place to stay during your trip (rates start at $205 per night). Wherever I go, my goal is to inspire you to travel there with my travel tips. The park is well worth spending at least a day, given that there are manygreat things to see and do in Yellowstone. I love exploring the world, whether its to a faraway country or a hike in the Pacific Northwest. We may buy an RV and give this a try soon! I have used your advice on the route and where to stay, I have it all booked up!! One thing that you cant miss on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone is Spokane Falls, which is a beautiful attraction in Spokane. The area boasts great family activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. If you love French fries, youll need to stop at Boise Fry Company to choose from various potatoes to make your fries and numerous dipping sauces. stay for about 1 hour. Best Route Through Yellowstone with a Large RV 4 years ago Save We are planning a road trip and I'm thinking this is the best time to get a couple of days in Yellowstone in for a visit. The short nine minute drive to Grand Teton National Park might not seem like much but I guarantee its well worth stopping. 7:14 pm arrive at Yellowstone National Park. Maybe you really want to see the animals in Lamar Valley, or you just care about seeing Old Faithful. Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Missoula is right off the freeway, so you can quickly continue your trip (rates start at $79 on Booking.com or Hotels.com). . As I recommended earlier, pick a few sections of the park to explore on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, so you dont overwhelm yourself. Combine a visit with a stop at the Volcanoes and Space Research at the Visitor Center to discover the tales of the natural formations. If you want to have a fantastic time in Jackson, ascenic river rafting experienceis unforgettable. Lets explore the ultimate 5-day itinerary that you can extend to suit your liking. If youre a photographer, youll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise at T.A. That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything. From wildlife spotting to sporting fun, visitors will be spoilt for choice in Jackson. In this national parks road trip itinerary we'll take you from Salt Lake City up to a few of the most iconic national parks, but not without passing through a myriad of smaller, more quaint, less-traveled towns that Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho have to offer. Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort - Located 2 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota this campground has 84 RV sites, 15 cabins, a 14-room lodge, and12 Presidential Creek Side Sites. Interstate 90 connects with Interstate 84 near Kennewick, Washington. Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Cave Total Distance 2,000 Miles (3,219 KM) Suggested Days At least 14 Suggested Seasons Spring, Summer, Fall #ThisIsMyRoute Getting Started This route is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the open road and some of America's most untamed areas. Need help planning out your road trip? You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures you'll have when you arrive. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. San Juan Islands Distance from Seattle: 110 miles Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes Monika Wieland Shields/Shutterstock.com We do not have set dates and I am looking for suggestions on the "least busy" time of the summer to go. On top of having its own set of gorgeous forests, this route U-curves around the Boise Mountains and Sawtooth Range, among others, giving you gorgeous mountain scenery but also extending your drive by nearly 250 miles. The West Coast of the USA comprises the coastal states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. The cheapest way to get from Washington to Yellowstone National Park costs only $414, and the quickest way takes just 9 hours. Day 3: Hiking Cascade Canyon. Your email address will not be published. This is when the weather is mild, and the crowds start to thin out so you can properly enjoy the trip. Stopping for at least one night is a must when doing a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, regardless of route. drive for about 1.5 hours. The boardwalk among pools. That means some roads will be closed, so youll want to check the official site before you plan your trip. Also worth noting are the mountainous parts of the trip both routes mostly stay on the interstate, but certain sections of the drive (particularly Montana) can be tricky in the snow, especially with an RV or other slow-moving vehicle. Recommended reading: Grand Teton National Park is teeming with hikes: everything from the short and straightforward to an awe-inducing 30-mile-plus loop. Also read: more tips for your North West USA road trip. How many days you visit depends on how much extra time you have on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. Wind down for the evening by exploring some of the wineries and breweries and stay the night before your journey Yellowstone road trip draws to a close. Interstate 84 runs directly through the Gorge on the south side of the river and you'll take this interstate when driving to Yellowstone NP. Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park with steam rising. Another great option is to plan a trip to the local wineries and sample some exquisite wines. With little planning, the "boring" part of the trip can be just as good as the destination. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are highly efficient in city driving and mixed driving conditions with stop-and-go traffic. On your way out, visit the Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial that honors five employees who died while saving visitors. Alternatively, there is a wide range of hiking trails fit for all ages and experience levels. With endless exploration opportunities and plenty of time for play, visitors have plenty to choose from. The forest is so big it stretches from north to south: Starting from the Canadian border to the Goat Rocks Wilderness which is almost 180 miles long. For the history lovers, remember that Boise is also home to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Old Idaho Penitentiary. Some people may decide to make this a long weekend getaway from Seattle, which is possible. Stopping here on your Yellowstone road trip from Seattle is only a slight detour, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary. Accommodations will be cheaper, there wont be as many people, and youll still have great weather. Finally, spend the night comfortably in Boise before ending your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. The state park is between Seattle and Ellensburg on the I-90, so it wont take you too far off from your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip route. Southern Loop: Rainier & Olympic National Parks 6 Ways to Experience the Old West in Buffalo, Wyo. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Recommended reading: The starting point is on the west coast and then drive to explore more of the USA. Flying from the UK in August next year, to Seattle. Youll also want to check out Buffalo Bills childhood home and the Museum of the Old West while youre in town. 1. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park is from late April to May and September to early October. Lying proudly next to the stunning Snake River, Idaho Falls overflows with authenticity and friendliness. The information carefully explains how the the natural formations occurred and is a fascinating experience for the whole family. Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area, The Ultimate Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary, Day 1: Leave Seattle and Explore Spokane and Missoula, Day 4: Discover the Best Parts of Jackson, Day 5: Overnight in Boise and Home to Seattle, everything you need to know before visiting Yellowstone, 18 Fun Sea to Sky Highway Stops on a Vancouver to Whistler Drive, 3 Days in Vancouver: How to Plan the Perfect Vancouver Itinerary, 10 Scenic Road Trips from Seattle for the Ultimate Adventure, How to Plan the Ultimate Seattle to San Diego Road Trip (2023). There are also plenty of wineries and breweries to check out if you have time on your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. For those who can handle a few more hours on the road, continue on with your four-day trip from Boise to Yellowstone until you reach Jackson. Recommended reading: Spokane is a good stopping point on your Yellowstone road trip to get lunch. Bozeman is also the home of the Museum of the Rockies (Ill explain more in the next part), as well as the American Computer and Robotics Museum making it the ultimate must-visit. Foodies, please pay careful attention to the fruit options in the area. Amenities include a barn with music and kids movies and an on-site caf and bakery. Scenic view of mighty Grand Teton mountains and Snake River. Once youve indulged on the divine fruit in the area, plan to stop by the Yakima Greenway, the Valley Museum, and the Yakima Area Arboretum. Pack your bags, fill your gas tank and let the route lead you down the most scenic roads from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. Taking you from the most populous city in British Columbia via Missoula, to the oldest national park in America, this route includes fantastic attractions along the way and is the quickest route. Hiking In San Antonio | 15 Epic San Antonio Trails, Downtown Jackson Wyoming USA at the local Playhouse featuring the ballad Catballou. The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. You can definitely tackle it in one epic day of driving, but this is vacation after all, so plan to spend 2 - 3 days checking out some of the must-visit towns and cool attractions along the way. Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things! day 2 driving 6.5 hours. Although there are countless others, these are some of the places you'll definitely want to check out: There is definitely a right and wrong time to do a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. The city known for its fruit farming and vast family-friendly activities. I didnt, as I wanted to get to Boise for dinner after visiting Craters of the Moon, but you could make a detour south if you have time! Rushmore this summer. This is a trip we have been dreaming of! I also love walking along the river, as there are playgrounds, people playing music, and plenty of entertainment. Next tick off a bucket list item by taking a Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour to see wild horses. Then continue to lose yourself in history by exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West that houses five museums in one building. From Mount Rainier National Park to Idaho Falls, I recommend creating a detailed itinerary before you leave so you dont miss any of the fantastic sites along the way. Russells Vibrant Art inspired by Montana, Chicago to Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip, Closest Airport to Mt. Cody overflows with fun cultural and natural attractions and activities worth visiting. If you drive straight, the Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive time will take you about 12 hours. Chances are, were not going to get the opportunity to step on the moon anytime soon. Remember that most facilities like the visitors centers close around mid-September, and seasonal road closures begin around mid-October. Once you've settled in, you can enjoy a delicious meal and cocktails at the on-site restaurant, go for a swim in the pool, or get a workout in at the fitness center. Youll have the chance to see the largest herd of elk and other large mammals, such as bears, moose, and bison, during this part of your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. My advice, however is to take the south route to the park and then the north route back to Seattle, so you dont miss all the fantastic stops both routes have to offer. This post was first written in 2018 and was last updated in February 2023. Jackson to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Jackson 1 h 15 m 57 mi Yellowstone National Park Route: Today's drive is one of the most epic legs of all cruising seamlessly through Grand Teton. Composed of grand canyons and the Snake River, Morley Nelson offers a vast expanse of wildlife habitat. This spacious log cabin is beautifully designed and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms (rates start at $195 per night). Fly into a nearby airport to shorten your road trip. We had time for only one hike in . The Wyoming based town is perfect for ski lovers. Sticking with the nature theme, the next stop on your adventure should be the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. In fact, the area is known to have over 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. Stop at Snoqualmie Falls or the Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests for more stunning wilderness. Pretend youre in an old western movie while exploring the Old Trail Town that boasts 26 historic cabins. Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone can get tiring. With so much to see and do on the way, you'll be coming back to this incredible drive for years to come. drive for about 1.5 hours. Along with shopping and sightseeing, you can joinwine tours, hiking trails, and guided walks around downtown. The are covers more than 3.8-million acres of the Washington state. Once youve reached Yellowstone, you can decide how many nights youd prefer to spend here. It also passes Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife, Spokane, and Riverside, to name a few possible places to stop. Recommended reading: So stretch your legs, have a picnic and catch some fish, both literally and figuratively, before the heading off to Idaho Falls. During your stay, Teton Village is a great place to hit the slopes - you can easily drive there or take the free shuttle to allow for aprs-ski. Like many others in the area, the volcano is now an attraction for anyone wanting to soak up the peacefulness and reconnect with nature. Because of the great conditions, however, most hotels will be booked well in advance for the summer, so you may have to find a place to stay outside the park. Afterward, head into downtown Spokane and find a spot at one of the lively restaurants to fuel up during your drive from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. Next, visit theIdaho Botanical Gardensand walk through the native flora while looking at their spectacular outdoor garden art when coming back from Yellowstone Park to Seattle. The SkyRide is a 15-minute gondola ride on the Spokane River and costs about $8 per adult and $6 per child. Direct Route From Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore Via Custer State Park Your fastest way, granted only by a few minutes, is by splitting off the I-90 at Moorift and taking highway 16 towards Custer. You can visit Yellowstone National Park any time throughout the year, but you should note the park does get snow in the winter. That will be a great trip! Anyone visiting around this time should carry safety gear. The site is overflowing with wildlife and is known for its rare species of cougars, black bears as well as its Northern Spotted Owls population. The capital city of Idaho, Boise, shows off a variety of adventurous activities, with things to do outdoors and a vibey downtown to enjoy. My new ebook is now live, soclick hereto buy your copy! Day 2. For the golf lovers, dont forget to visit the worlds only floating green at the lake. Stop in the cute little town of Walla Walla for . The trip offers something for everyone regardless who or how you decide to road trip. Lace-up your own boots and head out alone, or join a hiking trail through Grand Teton National Park. Venture further and explore what awaits you three to five hours from Seattle. One of the most popular stops on the way to Yellowstone from Seattle is the towering snowy peaks of Mount Rainier. Chances are youve seen this picture before but didnt know where it was from. and leave at 5:54 pm. How Long is the Drive From Seattle to Yellowstone National Park? In fact, most if not all resorts in the park won't even be working in early spring temperatures will seldom exceed 60 degrees (and will often be around 30), and even if the snow's melted, getting around with all the mud and puddles can be a nuisance. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Tips for a Seattle to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip. California to Yellowstone National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. stay for about 1 hour. I found out this was in the area and immediately decided to get up early to shoot sunrise photos here. . However, I recommend spending a few days here if possible since the main point of driving from Seattle to Yellowstone in Wyoming is likely to explore what the area offers. Check their website to make sure they are operating before making plans. Alternatively, you can get lost in time while driving from Seattle to Yellowstone to visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where five museums rest under one roof. With its highest points reaching over 6,000 feet, snowfall is never really off the table in Yellowstone, even in June or July. The shortest distance by road is about 750 miles. The nice thing about taking this route is that you can visit Custer SP along the way, which is better than Mt Rushmore in my opinion. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers visitors an extensive range of recreation activities. This pit is an old open-pit copper mine in Butte with water so acidic its the same level as Coke or lemon juice. The Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula, Montana. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY deadwood. Browse by destination . That said, spring or fall are the best times to visit Yellowstone National Park. This means that you'll have to split your drive into at least two days, although the more time you take, the better. Washington. Here are the places youll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow. Yellowstone National Park, an almost mystical 2.2-million acre wonderland of dynamic hydrothermal activity, breathtaking scenery and spectacular wildlife, was established on this day in history . This may be the most iconic national park in the United States, so most people want to visit it at least once. That said, there are tons to do during the period, including the Cody Stampede PCRA Rodeo, Targhee Fest, Yellowstone Beer Fest, Last Chance Stampede and Fair, and Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival. Some of my favorite ones include Leonetti Cellar, Valdemar Estates, and Castillo de Feliciana. However, youll likely want to stop along the way to get food and rest. You may even be tempted to spend a few hours relaxing by the river in Lake Easton National Park before continuing your adventure. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. 46 helpful votes. 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