You can learn more about this onNative Land. Destination Expert. From the gorgeous scenery to how easily accessible the area is, its a no-brainer to stop and take a rest. Show only these on map Gettysburg Road Trips Driving to Yellowstone is just as much fun as getting there! On the flip side it also boasts a large section of dry shrub-steppe and elevations that reach over 9,000 ft high. A road trip to Yellowstone isn't just about the destination. However, July and August are the busiest time in the park because its usually school holidays and the perfect time to camp. Join aRed Canyon Wild Mustang tour, where youll have the opportunity to see wild horses on an American-style safari. 112. I did go to Yellowstone in July and could still see the sites I had on my list, but I also had to wait in traffic during peak hours. There arent only sports you can enjoy, but excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Where to Stay: Modern Hotel is within walking distance of many places in downtown Boise (rates start at $107 per night on Booking.com or Hotels.com). Further south, pass Umatilla National Forest, and drive across Snake River into Idaho. The 1,040 miles of California to Yellowstone National Park drive takes around 15 hours and 37 mins without stops. Your email address will not be published. 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! . Where to Stay: Mountain Modern Hotel is a plush place to stay in downtown Jackson (rates start at $180 per night on Booking.com or Hotels.com). 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. Take the interstate east out of Seattle, between Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Mt Rainier National Park. There are plenty of hikes to choose from, whether you want waterfall hikes like Twin Falls, easy hikes like Franklin Falls, or winter hikes like Gold Creek Pond. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on where to stop on the way from Boise back to Seattle airport? If youre doing a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip with a toddler or family, then Idaho Falls has the perfect options for a break from the car with its sprawling zoo, aquarium, museums, and riverfront 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. Now that you know how to plan your trip, let's get on to those road trip ideas. Take a deep breathe of fresh air and enjoy the quiet moment before you hit the road again. 6:06 pm West Yellowstone. The book Route 66:EZ66 Guide For Travelers is from a passionate lover of Route 66. Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone can get tiring. 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. The 2,040-mile road trip from Atlanta to Yellowstone National Park will take 31 hours to complete. This is probably the most photographed place in Wyoming, so its a must-see on your road trip to Yellowstone from Seattle. Its your chance to indulge and sample dishes prepared by award-winning chefs while learning about the emerging culinary experiences arising in the city. We are leaving Aug 4, and plan to arrive for our reservation in West Yellowstone Aug 8. This means that you'll have to split your drive into at least two days, although the more time you take, the better. Here are our suggestions for places to visit near or on the way to . The cheapest way to get from Washington to Yellowstone National Park costs only $414, and the quickest way takes just 9 hours. Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, California Redwoods, Oregon Coast. When you arrive in the capital city of Idaho, be ready to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure combined with the unique downtown experience. You can also include an outdoor adventure to spy on local wildlife, like bison, elk, and mountain sheep. Each spring, these beautiful birds will spend more time here, mating and raising their young. Interstate 90 connects with Interstate 84 near Kennewick, Washington. On chillier nights, you can sit and chat around a fire pit on the charming patio. This is a big help! Below youll find the best Seattle to Yellowstone road trip stops and must-see destinations for traveling along the picturesque roads. Front entrance of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, that holds 5 museums. Foodies, downtown Idaho Falls is crying out to you. We took the kids and drove an RV down to Yellowstone years ago. Seattle is already calling out to you to return home but before you do, make one last stop in the city of Walla Walla. Youll find that its an ideal place to spend the night, especially for those of you into skiing and adrenaline activities. What is the Distance From Seattle to Yellowstone? Another great option is to plan a trip to the local wineries and sample some exquisite wines. While I was excited to spend one day in the Badlands, my main excitement was the Seattle to Yellowstone drive, as I couldnt wait to see this beautiful area. Spend a few days exploring the dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, forests, hot springs and geysers as well as the abundant wildlife. Destination Expert . How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Yellowstone National Park? Day 3: Hiking Cascade Canyon. Along the way to Yellowstone, we've included fun attractions, great places to eat and other national park sites that offer different experiences than Yellowstone. Lace-up your own boots and head out alone, or join a hiking trail through Grand Teton National Park. However, dont be fooled into thinking thats all there is to this stunning city. It is a must-see especially because it even houses the Curlew National Grassland. You should plan on staying the night here before your long drive back to Bozeman (give yourself two and a half hours). Ready to stretch your legs again, the small town of Coeur dAlene is the perfect next stop. Explore the area via the hiking trail, and make sure to get all the cool Instagram shots you can along the way. On the drive from Boise to Seattle, we stopped at random small towns along the way, but you could stop at Pendleton and Yakima on your way back. These thrill-seekers come from all over the world to load up with a parachute, leap from the bridge and free-fall before pulling their chute and . California to Yellowstone National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. Aerial shot of the Boise Capital building at night. Overall, the direct distance from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park is about seven hundred and fifty miles. 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. . When you're done, drive the Montana Secondary Highway 359 past Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, then take Montana Highway 287 along the Rockies, past Hebgen Lake and into Yellowstone National Park. A relaxing stroll along the waterside or a quick swim is the perfect break from being in the hot car. Chicago is the most popular city on the route it's 11 hours from Washington DC and 22 hours from Yellowstone National Park. Where to Stay: Sawtelle Mountain Resort is west of the park and has an indoor pool (rates start at $123 per night on Booking.com or Hotels.com). This is when the weather is mild, and the crowds start to thin out so you can properly enjoy the trip. 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. I suggest planning out at least two days to explore the entire area. Also read: more tips for your North West USA road trip. Number of Days: 4. Continue stretching your legs as you explore the riverside walking trail. Then if you decided to take my recommendation to take the north route to get to Yellowstone then take the southern route back to Seattle, you know that after youve enjoyed you time at Yellowstone, the next stop is Grand Teton National Park. With this plan, you can see the sites in a particular area and rest up for the next period on the road. I was obsessed with this place and cant wait to go back on my next trip. 6:29 pm arrive at Yellowstone National Park. 1 helpful vote. drive for about 1 hour. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. So let your family explore and enjoy the fun before you drive off to Yakima. drive for about 2 hours. This particular road trip plan begins in Jackson, Wyoming, and crosses through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, before entering Montana. 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. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures youll have when you arrive. Many people choose to escape the city life of Seattle and venture to Lake Easton for a day outdoors. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and . The entire forest is known for its deep valleys and lushes old growth forests. Spend the entire day in Missoula when going from Seattle to Yellowstone Park, wandering through the streets and exploring the city life, or embarking on adventures found in and around the city. Believe it or not, theres more than one right answer to this question. If thats the case for you, stop in the Snoqualmie Pass area off I-90 to go on dozens of different hikes before you get home from your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. Thus its a great place to start your multi-stop road trip. The stunning city has been gaining popularity as the perfect holiday destination because of its impeccable wineries. Tucked away in Bozeman, Montana, the Museum of the Rockies boasts one of the largest collection of fossils in the world. If youre keen on exploring the Wild West during your Seattle to Wyoming road trip, a trip to Old Trail Town is in order. I've lived in Seattle for most of my life and don't ever see myself moving, as I'm obsessed with the mountains, forests, and oceans of the Pacific Northwest. Youll also want to check out Buffalo Bills childhood home and the Museum of the Old West while youre in town. Your email address will not be published. In fact, the area is known to have over 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. 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. My new ebook is now live, soclick hereto buy your copy! Surrounding Yellowstone National Park are wonderful cities, charming Old West towns, and less-traveled regions to explore. If you still have time, explore the natural wonders of the local wildlife including bison, elk, and mountain sheep. The route gets a little bumpy as you enter Montana, courtesy of the Rocky Mountains, but it mostly circumvents Idaho's high-altitude terrain by cutting through the state's thin northern strip. For your first stop on a road trip from Portland to Yellowstone, consider making a pit stop in the Columbia River Gorge. After the two-day break in Mount Rainier, make your way to Missoula as your next stop on your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip. You can also explore the shops while youre here or walk around to get some exercise. One of the most popular stops on the way to Yellowstone from Seattle is the towering snowy peaks of Mount Rainier. Waterfall Hikes Near Seattle | 15 Must-See Waterfalls Near Seattle. I love exploring the world, whether its to a faraway country or a hike in the Pacific Northwest. Needless to say, if you follow our guide, it will be far from boring and packed with fun stops and entertaining things to do. 16 and SD 244 to Mount Rushmore National Memorial the Iconic 60ft granite faces depict the great U.S presidents of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. soooo excited. That will be a great trip! Learn how your comment data is processed. The downtown area is a fun place to spend some time during your trip. If you have even more time to spend in town, plan out trips to the local wineries and indulge in wine tastings and samplings to discover the delicious wines the area has to offer. Missoula will be just over the halfway point of your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive. You can visit Yellowstone National Park any time throughout the year, but you should note the park does get snow in the winter. The monument is a field of rock hard lava that looks very similar to the surface of the moon. The area is home to 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. This post was first written in 2018 and was last updated in February 2023. When you want road trip ideas from Seattle, consider this 3-hour drive from Seattle to Astoria, Oregon. 3. BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. People gravitate to this tropical paradise to soak upRead More Best time to Visit Cancun Your Complete Guide, When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico? The shortest distance by road is about 750 miles. Recommended reading: 6 Ways to Experience the Old West in Buffalo, Wyo. If you truly want to see everything there is to see, the best move would be to take one route on the way to Yellowstone and the other on the way back. A short drive away lies the town of Yakima. We'll be arriving from the south side, through Wyoming and will want to continue on to Washington state when we leave. The seven hundred and ninety-mile road takes just over twelve hours to drive without any stops, but that would defeat the purpose of our packed trip. If you visit around June or July, be prepared for the crowds of people you will face during the trip. There are also plenty of wineries and breweries to check out if you have time on your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. 7:33 pm arrive in West Yellowstone. Visit the 25-mile long Lake Coeur dAlene and explore its colossal shoreline. . If you drive straight, the Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive time will take you about 12 hours. The drive is a blast! The road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park will cover around 740 miles and take just over 11 hours to complete, not taking gas stops and food breaks into consideration. If an adventure of epic proportions sounds appealing to you, read on and find out just what makes this drive one of the most scenic in all of North America. Going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip was one of my favorite trips Ive ever done, and I hope youll feel the same after going on your drive! The boardwalk among pools. From Seattle, take the I-5 south through Tacoma and Lakewood, and pass Capitol State Forest, Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and Clatsop State Forest into Portland. 1 / 12. Depending on the route, Dallas and Yellowstone are about 1,300 miles apart, with only sections of the 20-hour drive on interstate highways. We went 6,200 miles from our home in the Triangle area of North Carolina to Yellowstone National Park and back again in 13 days. You may even be tempted to spend a few hours relaxing by the river in Lake Easton National Park before continuing your adventure. So stretch your legs, have a picnic and catch some fish, both literally and figuratively, before the heading off to Idaho Falls. stay for about 1 hour. Then continue to lose yourself in history by exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West that houses five museums in one building. Walla Walla is also home to impressive art galleries, breweries, recreational activities, and excellent restaurants. 1. Its incredible collection also includes thirteen specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex , and visitors have the opportunity to also explore the process of preparing fossils in the Bowman Dinosaur Viewing Laboratory. Though the National Park is the ultimate destination, I promise the route has tons of worthy stops you must check out. With an array of things to do, its an excellent place to spend the night. It then joins the I-84 east that runs along the Washington-Oregon border and Columbia River and passes through Idaho and the Grand Teton National Park. I've put together this itinerary to combine cities with natural wonders: it includes stops in Spokane, Missoula, Boise, and Walla Walla. The final stop on your road trip is West Yellowstone, Montana. Established in 1925, Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park is a can't-miss stop as you drive Highway 101. More if you've got young kids and need to stop a lot. Past Boise, check out Sawtooth National Forest, and hop onto the I-86 when the two interstates split after Burley. Make sure to plan out enough time for stops. #5 Washington State Road Trip Distance: 1,225 miles Time: 7 to 14 days When to Go: July through September Highlights: Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan Day 1: Arrive in Washington, drive to Port Angeles Day 2: Olympic National Park Day 3: Olympic National Park Day 4: Mount Rainier National Park If you want a break from driving, you can spend a whole day joining aguided tour of Yellowstone National Park. For a relaxing day, head to Jenny Lake and spend time doing easy Grand Teton hikes and having a picnic. The west coast road trip itineraries listed below have routes, trip highlights, and duration of travel ranging from a short weekend trip to 10 days itinerary. How many days you visit depends on how much extra time you have on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. From Seattle to Yellowstone. This place boasts with incredible local art galleries that are an absolute must-see for art lovers. 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