Jackson is a fun stopover on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip for families and adventure seekers, given that there are incredible activities all year round. If you visit in summer remember to see the local artwork such as the Antler Arches of Jackson. 46 helpful votes. Short on time? Overall, the direct distance from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park is about seven hundred and fifty miles. Start the morning on the last day of your Seattle to Yellowstone itinerary by visiting the trendiest neighborhoods downtown and going on aBoise food tour. If you still have time, explore the natural wonders of the local wildlife including bison, elk, and mountain sheep. Just an hour and forty five minutes away lies our next stop: Idaho Falls. Chicago is the most popular city on the route it's 11 hours from Washington DC and 22 hours from Yellowstone National Park. This post promotes travel to a national park in the traditional lands of the Eastern Shoshone, Cheyenne, and Apsaalook (Crow) people. Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone can get tiring. A short drive away lies the town of Yakima. Spend a few days exploring the dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, forests, hot springs and geysers as well as the abundant wildlife. We took the kids and drove an RV down to Yellowstone years ago. Its the perfect time to get your hands on the freshest farm-to-table offerings so make the best of it! See & Do. The top cities between Washington DC and Yellowstone National Park are Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, Milwaukee, Detroit, Minneapolis, Columbus, Wisconsin Dells, and Custer. A relaxing stroll along the waterside or a quick swim is the perfect break from being in the hot car. Missoula will be just over the halfway point of your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive. Here are the places youll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow. In the summer, spend time exploring the town and finding local artwork like the Antler Arches of Jackson. On chillier nights, you can sit and chat around a fire pit on the charming patio. 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? 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 plenty of weekend trips from Boise if you want to extend your time here. 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. If dinosaurs arent your thing, the American Computer and Robotics Museum is a fun place to stop on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone. Jackson is a delightful town in Wyoming to visit during a trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park and is made up of three ski areas and national parks. and leave at 5:10 pm. 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 . As the U.S. 90 interstate highway . Check our road trip itinerary collection for your perfect vacation. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. A natural wonder of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, lakes, canyons and unspoiled forests, it is a perfect getaway. 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. How many days you visit depends on how much extra time you have on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. So let your family explore and enjoy the fun before you drive off to Yakima. We are renting from Seattle and our ultimate destination is Yellowstone. day 2 driving 6.5 hours. But to make the most of your trip and see the amazing parts of the park, Id suggest a two or three-night stay. 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. Annually, Paris, France is the most visited city in the world. Once youve reached Yellowstone, you can decide how many nights youd prefer to spend here. Many people choose to escape the city life of Seattle and venture to Lake Easton for a day outdoors. Now, lets be honest, weve all dreamt of exploring out of space and floating along the moon and while I cant promise you an adventure across the surface of the moon, I can offer something that apparently resembles it. Re: Roadtrip from New York City to Yellowstone. 7:14 pm arrive at Yellowstone National Park. Need help planning out your road trip? Believe it or not, theres more than one right answer to this question. for Road Trips. This pet-friendly house sleeps up to six people (rates start at $150 per night). 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. Moulton Barn. The tour includes the opportunity to see several iconic parts of the park. It's a thorough guide with descriptive maps. 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 2,040-mile road trip from Atlanta to Yellowstone National Park will take 31 hours to complete. With great options fo hotels and lodges, it may be worth booking a few days to stay and explore the area surrounding the town from there. I was obsessed with this place and cant wait to go back on my next trip. Walla Walla vineyards ripen in the summer sun. California to Yellowstone National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. 4:40 pm Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Arrival in Seattle. It's highly recommended for anyone who wants to drive the entire route. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Spend some time camping at the Mill Creek campgrounds, or venture down the Damnation Trail to the ocean. The Wyoming based town is perfect for ski lovers. Keep in mind that the park is known for its colder temperatures, especially during winter. 112. There is no definitive best route from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, especially if time isn't a concern for you. The city offers the perfect combination of thrilling nature adventures and impeccable hiking trails. I've put together this itinerary to combine cities with natural wonders: it includes stops in Spokane, Missoula, Boise, and Walla Walla. You can visit Yellowstone National Park any time throughout the year, but you should note the park does get snow in the winter. Our road trip from Portland to Yellowstone was one to remember and we saw so much of the Western USA along the way! It takes between four hours to have a day to fully explore the entire museum, so plan accordingly. Not only is it a fascinating sight, but the river holds much of the towns history and heritage. 1. If youre keen on exploring the Wild West during your Seattle to Wyoming road trip, a trip to Old Trail Town is in order. Summer brings beautiful weather and plenty of wildlife, but the crowds are also massive. Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Glacier National Park? This is a trip we have been dreaming of! I love the variety of things to do in Yakima that youll find, both for adults and kid-friendly. With the warm summer weather, youll happily enjoy stopping for hikes, wandering around quaint streets, and taking early morning strolls along rivers. 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. How Long is the Drive From Seattle to Yellowstone National Park? Being on the coast in Washington, Seattle has a reputation for being rainy and temperate. Caribou-Targhee National Forest Island Par Idaho United States. The Cascade Crest marks the western boundary of the forest while the the eastern edge extends into Okanogan highlands near the Okanogan River. and leave at 3:01 pm. Lets explore the ultimate 5-day itinerary that you can extend to suit your liking. The entire forest is known for its deep valleys and lushes old growth forests. Destination Expert . Road Trip Itinerary. 10 Best Things to Do at Dinosaur National Monument, 10 Top Things to Do in Badlands National Park, 10 True Montana Gems between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, 2-Day Badlands and Black Hills Vacation Itinerary, 3 Roadside Stops in Grand Teton National Park, 5 Black Hills Towns to Base your South Dakota Vacation, 5 Off-the-Radar Spots for Escape in Wyomings Platte County, 5 Top Things to Do in Coeur dAlene Idaho, 6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons, 6 Places to See in Temple Square in Salt Lake City, 6 Things to Explore On the Way From Rushmore to Yellowstone. One of the most popular stops on the way to Yellowstone from Seattle is the towering snowy peaks of Mount Rainier. A 4200 mile, 21 day teardrop road trip we took in 2020, when things were just beginning to reopen after Covid. For lunch, I recommend getting pizza at Finn Restaurant with a view near the Clark Fork River. Stopping here on your Yellowstone road trip from Seattle is only a slight detour, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary. From wildlife spotting to sporting fun, visitors will be spoilt for choice in Jackson. Lots of sites and driving. There are also many challenging, longer hikes you can do if youre up for it, such as Cascade Canyon Trail or Hidden Falls Trail. Visitors can stroll along the riverside walking trail, attend a winter market or farmers markets, explore the local distilleries, or grab a pizza overlooking the Clark Fork River. However, I know you might not have this much time, so my advice is to pick one or two areas of the park to explore for each day you have. Places to stay nearby include Old Faithful Inn (a short walk from the geyser . 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. 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. Now filled with water, the pit is known to be as acidic as Coke and lemon juice. 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. Stops on the Way. The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. The distance from Seattle to Yellowstone is approximately 750 miles one way. I make a formal land acknowledgment showing my respect and appreciation to the people of these lands. However, dont be fooled into thinking thats all there is to this stunning city. There's also an alternate, more southern route that takes around 14.5 hours, and it passes through Portland and south Idaho, completely bypassing Montana until the very end. Its not possible to see all of it in only a few days, and I would say spending 4-5 full days at the park will really let you explore all the areas. Next tick off a bucket list item by taking a Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour to see wild horses. This spacious log cabin is beautifully designed and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms (rates start at $195 per night). 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. 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. Before properly leaving the area, take another day or two to explore Jackson. San Juan Islands Distance from Seattle: 110 miles Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes Monika Wieland Shields/Shutterstock.com Re: Road trip from Iowa . Make sure to plan out enough time for stops. I have used your advice on the route and where to stay, I have it all booked up!! 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. Also read: more tips for your North West USA road trip. 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). The drive is a blast! Just wondered if you had any thoughts on where to stop on the way from Boise back to Seattle airport? Each spring, these beautiful birds will spend more time here, mating and raising their young. This means that you'll have to split your drive into at least two days, although the more time you take, the better. This condo in downtown Jackson is a convenient place to stay during your trip (rates start at $205 per night). The seasonal road closures end towards mid-April, making it easier to travel towards the end of the month. 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 Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula, Montana. Colorful trees blossoming in the Spring along the sandy shores of Lake Coeur dAlene in Coeur dAlene, Idaho. find more stops. With little planning, the "boring" part of the trip can be just as good as the destination. My adventure lovers gift guide can give you more ideas of essentials to bring. Aerial shot of the Boise Capital building at night. From the stylish, spacious rooms with an amazing city view to the incredible bar and lobby area, every part of this hotel looks amazing. 2 years ago. Finally, spend the night comfortably in Boise before ending your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. 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. Jackson is great for outdoor activities, especially hiking and skiing. One thing that you cant miss on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone is Spokane Falls, which is a beautiful attraction in Spokane. and leave at 5:54 pm. It also passes Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife, Spokane, and Riverside, to name a few possible places to stop. Besides just having a convenient location in Oregon's biggest city, the price is quite reasonable considering the quality of the experience. Make sure to grab a cute souvenir at the gift shop before you get back on the road to Bozeman. The hour tour will take you to the Shoshone River Canyon, with experienced guides telling tales of Buffalo Bill and the Plains Indian people. For the history lovers, remember that Boise is also home to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Old Idaho Penitentiary. The gate is surrounded by the Beartooth Mountain peaks, beautifully covered in alpine trees. More if you've got young kids and need to stop a lot. Oh, and before I forget, its a wise idea to pack camping chairs, hiking boots, fishing rods, and camping gear for this road trip. Pacific Northwest road trip - Scenic round trip from Seattle, Road Trip From Seattle To Glacier National Park, the best would have to be The Duniway Portland, Snow King Resort is one of, if not the best. Recommended reading: 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. The rooms come with amazing views of the mountains, and some of them feature a beautiful fireplace. While everyone is distracted by the stunning forests and outdoors in the area, the Museum of the Rockies lures in history buffs from all over the country. 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. Some of my favorite ones include Leonetti Cellar, Valdemar Estates, and Castillo de Feliciana. 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). 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. 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). That will be a great trip! Foodies, downtown Idaho Falls is crying out to you. 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. There are two possible routes for a Seattle To Yellowstone road trip: a north route and a south route. Past Boise, check out Sawtooth National Forest, and hop onto the I-86 when the two interstates split after Burley. You can do a Seattle to Yellowstone drive anytime throughout the year, which is why theyre such appealing destinations for a road trip. The SkyRide is a 15-minute gondola ride on the Spokane River and costs about $8 per adult and $6 per child. With endless exploration opportunities and plenty of time for play, visitors have plenty to choose from. Next on the list of cool places to stop during your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip is Berkeley Pit. That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything. Beaches in Dallas Texas and Nearby | Lake Beaches Included, The Spokane Falls and water and power building at downtown Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington. I hope you get the chance to do it. The monument is a field of rock hard lava that looks very similar to the surface of the moon. Stopping for at least one night is a must when doing a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, regardless of route. We'll be arriving from the south side, through Wyoming and will want to continue on to Washington state when we leave. I recommend planning a day or two and booking into a hotel for a night. Seattle is the perfect starting point for many road trips, but nothing is more exciting than going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. 4:54 pm West Yellowstone. Another great option is to plan a trip to the local wineries and sample some exquisite wines. 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. Thus its a great place to start your multi-stop road trip. 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. There arent only sports you can enjoy, but excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Waiting to start our epic road trip London to Portland - Saturday, 4897 miles, 10 hours Our flight from Heathrow to Portland with Delta Airways left London at 12.30pm and was scheduled to be 10 hours 55 minutes, arriving at 3.15pm local time. You can decide to extend this part as long as you want to. 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. The trip offers something for everyone regardless who or how you decide to road trip. Maybe you really want to see the animals in Lamar Valley, or you just care about seeing Old Faithful. I love exploring the world, whether its to a faraway country or a hike in the Pacific Northwest. Amenities include a barn with music and kids movies and an on-site caf and bakery. Yes, hopefully you have another week + for the drive from NYC to the area. 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. When you arrive in the capital city of Idaho, be ready to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure combined with the unique downtown experience. Youll stop at the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and visit the Old Faithful Geyser. Day 1. . Ready to stretch your legs again, the small town of Coeur dAlene is the perfect next stop. Walk around town and find random art pieces or stop in a local restaurant. On the way, explore Mt Rainier National Park & Craters of the Moon, make a stop in Portland, Missoula, or Idaho Falls, and visit the Grand Teton National Park. 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. I-84 cuts through Boise, Idaho, and meets U.S. Route 93, the Great Basin Highway, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Cody overflows with fun cultural and natural attractions and activities worth visiting. The 755-mile road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park takes 11 hours 30 minutes to drive. Needless to say, if you follow our guide, it will be far from boring and packed with fun stops and entertaining things to do. 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. Situated in Butte, Berkeley Pit is a really old open-pit copper mine. This is probably the most photographed place in Wyoming, so its a must-see on your road trip to Yellowstone from Seattle. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures you'll have when you arrive. Continue stretching your legs as you explore the riverside walking trail. If you have several weeks, combine the two itineraries into a super-road trip you won't soon forget. However, July and August are the busiest time in the park because its usually school holidays and the perfect time to camp. It consists of lava beds, tree molds, spatter cones, and cinder cones. For those who want adventure, enjoy the many recreational activities the city has to offer. 8:25 pm arrive at 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. Keep going north through Idaho Falls (which is a great pivot into Grand Teton National Park, if you're interested), and pass Caribou-Targhee National Forest before entering Yellowstone. Next stop: Cody. Just a short drive from Spokane, the town is a quaint and quiet area to take a breath and stretch your legs. Perched across the awe-inducing Snake River Canyon lies the I.B. For the golf lovers, dont forget to visit the worlds only floating green at the lake. 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. Yakima Greenway, the Valley Museum, and the Yakima Area Arboretum are a few great places to include in your itinerary. The next stop is Yellowstone National Park. 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. Its a beautiful city, but its the great wineries that attract people from all around the country. Porcelain Basin of Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It runs from southeastern Idaho all the way to the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Best of all, its only a slight detour off your route to Yellowstone from Seattle and only costs about $2 for admission to the viewing platform. Admission is only $2 to go out on the viewing platform, and you can find a fun souvenir in the gift shop while youre there. One of the first things you should do in Cody on your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park roadtrip is book yourself aCody Trolley Tour, highlighting the points of interest in the historic old town. On your way out, visit the Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial that honors five employees who died while saving visitors. Lastly, end your day in Spokane by visiting the Havermale Island, the Garbage Goat, Bloomsday Sculptures and Childhood Express before packing up and driving off to Coeur dAlene. Number of Days: 4. Show only these on map Gettysburg Here are my top nineteen must-see stops on a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Aside from outdoor activities, one must also plan to go shopping, take wine tours, and guided walks around downtown. The city known for its fruit farming and vast family-friendly activities. This may be the most iconic national park in the United States, so most people want to visit it at least once. This hike is less than half a mile, so youll quickly reach the vantage point. That means some roads will be closed, so youll want to check the official site before you plan your trip. Spokane, Washington. 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). 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. The starting point is on the west coast and then drive to explore more of the USA. The southern edge is marked by the Columbia River, and the Yakima River valley. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. We actually arrived ahead of schedule at 2.30pm. Berkeley Pit is one of the more unique stops on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. This is when the weather is mild, and the crowds start to thin out so you can properly enjoy the trip. . Portland. A trip to Cody will leave you feeling as though youve stepped into the Wild West with awesome cultural activities and natural beauty. Come evening time, youll undoubtedly want the opportunity to explore the downtown area and lively city life. Read on for our top tips on places to stop, things to do and see and the best route to take to . The state park is situated between Seattle and Ellensburg, off I-90, and wont lead you too far off your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park route. 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. From nature lovers to history buffs, this is the ultimate road trip stop for everyone. There are plenty of reasons why Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park remains such a popular attraction. Foodies, please pay careful attention to the fruit options in the area. The forest occupies over 3 million acres. But alas, we must continue home. Pretend youre in an old western movie while exploring the Old Trail Town that boasts 26 historic cabins. Best Time to Visit Nantucket MA | By Season & Crowds, Theseus Lake in Okanogan-Wenachee National Forest. The short nine minute drive to Grand Teton National Park might not seem like much but I guarantee its well worth stopping. The next break from the long drive home is just two hours and twenty minutes from Jackson to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. . There are two possible routes for a Seattle To Yellowstone road trip: a north route and a south route. day 2 driving 8.5 hours. All that aside, my personal recommendation is to visit from September to October. The road from Washington to Yellowstone is full of little and big gems you can visit and experience. Famous for its waterfalls in the middle of town that were once a spiritual place for Native Americans to gather, Spokane has a mix of culture and nature to share.