Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado, Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center in South Dakota, Anacondas Unexpected History on the Continental Divide, Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana, Butte, Montana, the Richest Hill on Earth, C.M. drive for about 1.5 hours. The 1,040 miles of California to Yellowstone National Park drive takes around 15 hours and 37 mins without stops. You will explore Nashville, Memphis, Birmingham, St Louis, Kansas City, Santa Fe and Mount Rushmore as well as Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Destination Expert . Besides just having a convenient location in Oregon's biggest city, the price is quite reasonable considering the quality of the experience. 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. The stunning city has been gaining popularity as the perfect holiday destination because of its impeccable wineries. I make a formal land acknowledgment showing my respect and appreciation to the people of these lands. 11Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park. What you can expect from this itinerary are forests, and lots of them - all the way through Washington, Idaho, and Montana. I have a full 4 day Yellowstone itinerary to give you more ideas of what to do here! 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). Road Trips Driving to Yellowstone is just as much fun as getting there! The next stop is Yellowstone National Park. Level Contributor . The tour is often referred to as an American-styled safari. Walla Walla is also home to impressive art galleries, breweries, recreational activities, and excellent restaurants. Kootenai Falls, Montana Amazing Things to See and Do, Things To Do In Southern Illinois | 15 Exciting Things To Do This Weekend, Hiking In San Antonio | 15 Epic San Antonio Trails, Waterfalls in Vermont: 15 Breathtaking Falls in Vermont You Must See, Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area, Best Time to Visit Nantucket MA | By Season & Crowds, Best Time to Visit Cape Cod MA | Seasons | Festivals | Whale Watching. Silver Gate is at the border of Yellowstone National Park and a dead giveaway that youre heading in the right direction. The adjacent Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, offers some of the most rugged and rocky mountains in the country with a fraction of the crowds. its a 7 hour+ journey, it would be nice to stop for an hour or two. . After passing Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and Turnbull National Wildlife, drive through Spokane and check out the nearby Riverside and Mt Spokane State Parks, or detour further north to Colville National Forest. One of the most popular stops on the way to Yellowstone from Seattle is the towering snowy peaks of Mount Rainier. Along with shopping and sightseeing, you can joinwine tours, hiking trails, and guided walks around downtown. Just an hour and forty five minutes away lies our next stop: Idaho Falls. Make a list of whats most important to see and plan accordingly. For a relaxing day, head to Jenny Lake and spend time doing easy Grand Teton hikes and having a picnic. The highlight feature of the hotel would have to be the rooftop patio space, as this is where all the magic happens relax under the night sky as you enjoy live musical performances, wine tasting, and much more. There is no definitive best route from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, especially if time isn't a concern for you. Maybe you really want to see the animals in Lamar Valley, or you just care about seeing Old Faithful. 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. There arent only sports you can enjoy, but excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Then adventure through the cities early 1900s history by taking its famed historical walking tour. Where to Stay: Cody Legacy Inn & Suites is an affordable hotel close to Yellowstone with a Western theme (rates start at $119 per night on Booking.com or Hotels.com). We actually arrived ahead of schedule at 2.30pm. I also love walking along the river, as there are playgrounds, people playing music, and plenty of entertainment. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho) - 3,290,242 Joshua Tree National Park (California) - 3,058,294 Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio) - 2,913,312 The Washington Road Trip Route You'll find a much more detailed guide to doing this Washington State road trip below, but at a high level, you'll be putting together two incredible loops to form a figure 8 through the great state of Washington. If you have time, stop at Silverwood Theme Park, a great place to get some adrenaline rush, it will be a real treat for the kids and that will get them tired and ready for bed. 3. We do not have set dates and I am looking for suggestions on the "least busy" time of the summer to go. Yellowstone is a huge park. Its the perfect time to get your hands on the freshest farm-to-table offerings so make the best of it! The city known for its fruit farming and vast family-friendly activities. Spokane, Washington. Known for its stunning landscape and breathtaking biodiversity, the park is far smaller than Yellowstone but many agree youll see the mountains best from the park. Alternatively, there is a wide range of hiking trails fit for all ages and experience levels. BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. Yellowstone National Park is a geologically unique landscape: of mountains, bubbling geysers and steaming hot springs. The 755-mile road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park takes 11 hours 30 minutes to drive. Idaho National Parks Northwest Road Trip Utah Wyoming Prepared By: Tobey Schmidt There are two possible routes for a Seattle To Yellowstone road trip: a north route and a south route. 2 reviews. Your email address will not be published. Youll want to plan your approach to gateway towns and entrances, plus download a park map in advance of your arrival so you wont waste time on logistics and have more time to spend having fun. The preserves and forests along the way can be enjoyed any time of year, although heavy snowfall can potentially close off certain areas. One thing that you cant miss on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone is Spokane Falls, which is a beautiful attraction in Spokane. Major cities and towns along the route include Portland, Hood River and La Grande in Oregon; Seattle, Winthrop, and Spokane in Washington; Coeur d'Alene, Sun Valley, Stanley, and Boise in Idaho; and Missoula and Bozeman in Montana. Here are the places youll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park is from late April to May and September to early October. This means that you'll have to split your drive into at least two days, although the more time you take, the better. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. SeaTac - Portland - Columbia River Valley. 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. A relaxing stroll along the waterside or a quick swim is the perfect break from being in the hot car. Now that you know how to plan your trip, let's get on to those road trip ideas. As you cross, watch for BASE (Building, Antenna, Span or Earth) jumpers. Rushmore this summer. 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. Check out some of the restaurants and bars in the area before turning in for the night. The other option for a Seattle to Yellow Stone road trip is to take the southern route along the I-5 South, which runs from Seattle through Tacoma, Lakewood, Capitol State Forest, Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and into Portland. You can also explore the shops while youre here or walk around to get some exercise. This article includes 18 top tips that turn your California to Yellowstone National Park drive into an unforgettable journey. Composed of grand canyons and the Snake River, Morley Nelson offers a vast expanse of wildlife habitat. 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. On top of the long trip, you'll have to account for the unique weather conditions in the park itself. and leave at 3:01 pm. When you arrive in the capital city of Idaho, be ready to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure combined with the unique downtown experience. There are some really great resorts in town, but Snow King Resort is one of, if not the best. 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. 4:54 pm West Yellowstone. Moulton Barn. The drive is a blast! Come evening time, youll undoubtedly want the opportunity to explore the downtown area and lively city life. For the history lovers, remember that Boise is also home to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Old Idaho Penitentiary. Grand Teton National Park is teeming with hikes: everything from the short and straightforward to an awe-inducing 30-mile-plus loop. A road trip to Yellowstone isn't just about the destination. Surrounding Yellowstone National Park are wonderful cities, charming Old West towns, and less-traveled regions to explore. Youll also want to check out Buffalo Bills childhood home and the Museum of the Old West while youre in town. Another great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors while on your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive is Bozeman. I had never driven east of Idaho before, so I couldnt wait to start creating my itinerary. 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. 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. Visitors can partake in winter sports in the winter, while the summer offers incredible trout streams and mountain trails. From wildlife spotting to sporting fun, visitors will be spoilt for choice in Jackson. 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. . Rushmore is in the City of Presidents, Colorado Historical and Natural Attractions, Cooke City and Silver Gate, Tiny Outposts to Yellowstone, Curbside Attractions in Idahos Yellowstone-Teton Territory, Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. That will be a great trip! Places to stay nearby include Old Faithful Inn (a short walk from the geyser . There are a number of interesting hotels worth considering, and these are some of the best: If you want to do a stopover at a bigger city on your drive to Yellowstone, it doesn't get any bigger than Portland. With this plan, you can see the sites in a particular area and rest up for the next period on the road. There are also many challenging, longer hikes you can do if youre up for it, such as Cascade Canyon Trail or Hidden Falls Trail. Make the most of your free time in the city by embarking on some of these best road trips from Seattle, Washington. My new ebook is now live, soclick hereto buy your copy! It also passes Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife, Spokane, and Riverside, to name a few possible places to stop. The book Route 66:EZ66 Guide For Travelers is from a passionate lover of Route 66. Road tripping to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks is the biggest road trip on my list of Seattle road trips - you need at least 7 days, but adding a few extra days will make it much more enjoyable. Things To Do In Southern Illinois | 15 Exciting Things To Do This Weekend, Amazing landscape of small geysers, hot springs, and vents. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Annually, Paris, France is the most visited city in the world. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Bridger Teton National Forest Best Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops . From the stylish, spacious rooms with an amazing city view to the incredible bar and lobby area, every part of this hotel looks amazing. Remember that most facilities like the visitors centers close around mid-September, and seasonal road closures begin around mid-October. All that aside, my personal recommendation is to visit from September to October. Pack your road trip essentials and let the adventure begin! Lying proudly next to the stunning Snake River, Idaho Falls overflows with authenticity and friendliness. The area is home to 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. A short drive away lies the town of Yakima. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 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. San Juan Islands Distance from Seattle: 110 miles Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes Monika Wieland Shields/Shutterstock.com For those who want adventure, enjoy the many recreational activities the city has to offer. 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 those who live in or near Seattle, "Spokane" is more than a city. Although this is a great route, another factor to consider is traffic the Seattle-Portland portion of the drive is very likely to be congested, especially on weekends and holidays, which is another reason why the northern route is probably easier to drive. Pick and choose your stops along the way to build your own road trip including neighboring national parks such as Grand Teton, Glacier and Badlands. Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things! If you want to get to Yellowstone quickly, though, the northern route along the I-90 is probably your best bet. Join aRed Canyon Wild Mustang tour, where youll have the opportunity to see wild horses on an American-style safari. . How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Yellowstone National Park? 46 helpful votes. That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures youll have when you arrive. With endless exploration opportunities and plenty of time for play, visitors have plenty to choose from. It seemed like such a random thing to look at, but I couldnt get enough of it. Note that the North Entrance is the only way to enter the park with a car in winter. The Seattle To Yellowstone road trip is the ultimate bucket list adventure for a reason. Pretend youre in an old western movie while exploring the Old Trail Town that boasts 26 historic cabins. Read this article to find out more. Youll find that its an ideal place to spend the night, especially for those of you into skiing and adrenaline activities. Day 5 in Yellowstone; took a drive BY Grand Tetons down to Jackson and back to Yellowstone (about 5 hrs of driving) BEAUTIFUL view of the Tetons (and my Prius managed to get a whopping 62 miles per gallon that day, for some odd reason!) More if you've got young kids and need to stop a lot. The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. If youre still in no rush to get home, consider camping for a day or two before heading out again. Berkeley Pit is one of the more unique stops on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. 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? 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. Lets explore the ultimate 5-day itinerary that you can extend to suit your liking. If you visit around June or July, be prepared for the crowds of people you will face during the trip. Featuring a jacuzzi and outdoor pool, massage and concierge services, and the Haydens Point Restaurant, this hotel truly has it all. Again, that doesnt account for any stops you make on your Seattle to Yellowstone national park road trip, which will increase your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park distance. 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. The downtown area is a fun place to spend some time during your trip. 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. There are also plenty of fun places to see on your Seattle to Yellowstone drive, so I recommend taking about a week total for your trip. Famous For: Gorgeous, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. 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 also the main point of your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, so spend as much time as you can here. Front entrance of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, that holds 5 museums. This is probably the unique stop along the way. We. The Seattle to Yellowstone drive time is almost twelve hours, so you will want to break this up into at least a two-day or three-day trip to enjoy the many fun places to stop along the way. Re: Road trip from Iowa . Foodies, please pay careful attention to the fruit options in the area. The road distance is 2121.6 miles. Further south, pass Umatilla National Forest, and drive across Snake River into Idaho. 6 Best Road Trips Seattle to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks Road Trip Soak up the outdoors as you travel through Washington, Idaho and Montana on this northern-states road trip. For a shorter, quicker tour of the area, opt for the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad that curls around the most stunning parts of the mountain. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and . Spokane, sits between two reservations: Colville and Coeur dAlene Reservations. day 2 driving 6 hours. If youre feeling adventurous, a 15-minuteSkyRideover the falls shows Spokanes most scenic parts. The area is made up of the grand canyons and the Snake River thus it is no surprise that it is home to a huge wildlife population. 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