Yes could fly into Chicago and drive- about 23 hours of driving time- could use I90 and go thru Sioux Falls, Badlands NP/Rapid City then to Yellowstone and fly out of one of the nearby airports back to NYC. Aerial shot of the Boise Capital building at night. 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. After the long journey, its finally time for the your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip to draw to a close. Then wind down with a run in Riverfront Park. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Thanks to the "regenerative braking" the electric motor acts as part of the braking system to stop the vehicle and . 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 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. 21,199 posts. 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. After a night in Astoria, you can embark on a 4-day adventure along the Washington Coast. What is the Distance From Seattle to Yellowstone? I spent weeks planning my road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone and finding all the best places to stop. Visitors can partake in winter sports in the winter, while the summer offers incredible trout streams and mountain trails. Best Time to Visit Nantucket MA | By Season & Crowds, Theseus Lake in Okanogan-Wenachee National Forest. If youre lookingRead More Best Time To Visit Puerto Rico Your Complete Guide, 2022 Travel Croc | TravelCroc.com - Made With Love, TravelCroc.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon, Best Time To Visit Paris Your Complete Guide, Best time to Visit Cancun Your Complete Guide, Best Time To Visit Puerto Rico Your Complete Guide, Waterfall Hikes Near Seattle | 15 Must-See Waterfalls Near Seattle, Beaches in Dallas Texas and Nearby | Lake Beaches Included. So make sure you have your camera ready while exploring the hiking trails. Youll likely see dozens of other photographers setting up, so make sure not to get in their way. . There arent only sports you can enjoy, but excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Required fields are marked *. Some of my favorite ones include Leonetti Cellar, Valdemar Estates, and Castillo de Feliciana. This is a big help! The Mount Rainier National Park has tons to explore, from the forests to waterfalls and grasslands to rivers. 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. 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. Figuring out how much time you have is probably the most important step when planning a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. Overall, the direct distance from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park is about seven hundred and fifty miles. Stops on the Way. See & Do. Your email will not be provided to third parties. its a 7 hour+ journey, it would be nice to stop for an hour or two. We had time for only one hike in . This pit is an old open-pit copper mine in Butte with water so acidic its the same level as Coke or lemon juice. Although there are plenty of amazing hotels here, the best would have to be The Duniway Portland. The charming small town offers a good break from the drive, with outdoor recreational activities and scenic beauty. 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. I've put together this itinerary to combine cities with natural wonders: it includes stops in Spokane, Missoula, Boise, and Walla Walla. Maybe you really want to see the animals in Lamar Valley, or you just care about seeing Old Faithful. Best Time to Visit Cape Cod MA | Seasons | Festivals | Whale Watching. drive for about 2 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you only have one day, you can see a portion of the park, but keep in mind that Yellowstone is huge. Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Glacier National Park? LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. 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. 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. 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. As you cross, watch for BASE (Building, Antenna, Span or Earth) jumpers. Answer 1 of 18: Our family of 6 is taking a road trip to Yellowstone/Mt. 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. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on where to stop on the way from Boise back to Seattle airport? With this plan, you can see the sites in a particular area and rest up for the next period on the road. However, dont be fooled into thinking thats all there is to this stunning city. Road Trip Itinerary. Scenic view of mighty Grand Teton mountains and Snake River. . Recommended reading: The starting point is on the west coast and then drive to explore more of the USA. I have used your advice on the route and where to stay, I have it all booked up!! BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. Driving to Yellowstone is just as much fun as getting there! This is probably the most photographed place in Wyoming, so its a must-see on your road trip to Yellowstone from Seattle. Missoula will only require about a day of exploration. 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. For the golf lovers, dont forget to visit the worlds only floating green at the lake. Here are some tips to help make your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip more manageable. This article includes 18 top tips that turn your California to Yellowstone National Park drive into an unforgettable journey. The southern edge is marked by the Columbia River, and the Yakima River valley. From there, take the I-84 east, driving between Gifford Pinchot and Mt Hood National Forests. This particular road trip plan begins in Jackson, Wyoming, and crosses through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, before entering Montana. Did you stop at Shoshone Falls at all. We took the kids and drove an RV down to Yellowstone years ago. . Bridger Teton National Forest Best Denver to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park is from late April to May and September to early October. The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. Also read: more tips for your North West USA road trip. Filled with dining and local shopping in historic buildings, you could spend hours indulging your tastebuds before you decide to move on from Idahos second-largest city. With its highest points reaching over 6,000 feet, snowfall is never really off the table in Yellowstone, even in June or July. Silver Gate is at the border of Yellowstone National Park and a dead giveaway that youre heading in the right direction. This modern downtown loft sleeps three people and is the heart of downtown (rates start at $108 per night). When you want road trip ideas from Seattle, consider this 3-hour drive from Seattle to Astoria, Oregon. Re: Roadtrip from New York City to Yellowstone. 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. This spacious log cabin is beautifully designed and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms (rates start at $195 per night). Foodies, downtown Idaho Falls is crying out to you. I love exploring the world, whether its to a faraway country or a hike in the Pacific Northwest. 1. A relaxing stroll along the waterside or a quick swim is the perfect break from being in the hot car. Lying proudly next to the stunning Snake River, Idaho Falls overflows with authenticity and friendliness. This place boasts with incredible local art galleries that are an absolute must-see for art lovers. Plan out your itinerary and hit the road! Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone can get tiring. There's a decent Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in August start at $370 a night. With an array of things to do, its an excellent place to spend the night. If youre keen on exploring the Wild West during your Seattle to Wyoming road trip, a trip to Old Trail Town is in order. In fact, the area is known to have over 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. This is also the main point of your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, so spend as much time as you can here. So why not head to the next best thing when headed from Yellowstone to Seattle? What you can expect from this itinerary are forests, and lots of them - all the way through Washington, Idaho, and Montana. A short drive away lies the town of Yakima. The cheapest way to get from Washington to Yellowstone National Park costs only $414, and the quickest way takes just 9 hours. This barn was one of my favorite stops on my Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip because it is so iconic. My name is Marissa, and Im a travel writer and photographer from Seattle. You can do a Seattle to Yellowstone drive anytime throughout the year, which is why theyre such appealing destinations for a road trip. Spend some time camping at the Mill Creek campgrounds, or venture down the Damnation Trail to the ocean. Featuring a jacuzzi and outdoor pool, massage and concierge services, and the Haydens Point Restaurant, this hotel truly has it all. I see that is along the way and Im deciding on stopping or not. 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. Walla Walla vineyards ripen in the summer sun. How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Yellowstone National Park? Hiking In San Antonio | 15 Epic San Antonio Trails, Downtown Jackson Wyoming USA at the local Playhouse featuring the ballad Catballou. 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. Famous For: Gorgeous, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The distance from Seattle to Yellowstone is 755 miles if you take the most direct route on I-90. stay for about 1 hour. The boardwalk among pools. The short nine minute drive to Grand Teton National Park might not seem like much but I guarantee its well worth stopping. Destination Expert. Save. Make sure you are prepared for slightly chilly weather as winter approaches. drive for about 2 hours. One thing that you cant miss on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone is Spokane Falls, which is a beautiful attraction in Spokane. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Some people may decide to make this a long weekend getaway from Seattle, which is possible. The stunning city has been gaining popularity as the perfect holiday destination because of its impeccable wineries. It also passes Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife, Spokane, and Riverside, to name a few possible places to stop. Foodies, a bucket list item for you should be the Boise Fry Company where you get to choose from a variety of different potatoes to be made into fries and then choose from multiple dipping sauce options. 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. Allow yourself to wander along the bustling streets and embrace the city life while window shopping. The monument is a field of rock hard lava that looks very similar to the surface of the moon. Check out some of the restaurants and bars in the area before turning in for the night. Youll also want to check out Buffalo Bills childhood home and the Museum of the Old West while youre in town. Accommodations will be cheaper, there wont be as many people, and youll still have great weather. Reach this natural wonder traveling 788 miles (1268.16 kilometers) in about 12 . 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. We do not have set dates and I am looking for suggestions on the "least busy" time of the summer to go. The road from Washington to Yellowstone is full of little and big gems you can visit and experience. The area boasts a multitude of activities for outdoor enthusiasts as well as the perfect way to unwind after the long drive with its natural hot springs and chance to fly fish on the Snake River or just take in the cascades at Mesa Falls. I have a complete road trip packing list to refer to, but here are some of the most essential items youll want to bring for your Seattle to Yellowstone drive. On your trip to the park, don't drive past these amazing places to find uncrowded adventures, spend the night, or eat a great meal. Oh, and before I forget, its a wise idea to pack camping chairs, hiking boots, fishing rods, and camping gear for this road trip. Grand Teton National Park is teeming with hikes: everything from the short and straightforward to an awe-inducing 30-mile-plus loop. Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things! Youll also need to book your accommodation months in advance (as in the winter before). 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. 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). find more stops. Moulton Barn. Yes, hopefully you have another week + for the drive from NYC to the area. 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. A Denver to Yellowstone Road trip will have you on the highway for something like nine to eleven hours in total, but it's guaranteed to feel shorter given the constant stretches of beautiful scenery and numerous possible stops along the way. Here are the places youll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow. After spending the night in Bozeman, its time to hit the road again. That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY deadwood. If youre feeling adventurous, a 15-minuteSkyRideover the falls shows Spokanes most scenic parts. Perched across the awe-inducing Snake River Canyon lies the I.B. The next break from the long drive home is just two hours and twenty minutes from Jackson to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Here are some of our favorite road trips that are perfect for weekend getaways. Now, a lot of people think we are crazy - and we might be - but we LOVE a road trip vacation more than anything . So stretch your legs, have a picnic and catch some fish, both literally and figuratively, before the heading off to Idaho Falls. From nature lovers to history buffs, this is the ultimate road trip stop for everyone. Day 1. Day 3: Hiking Cascade Canyon. Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? The legendary Hotel Baxter building ion Main Street in Bozeman, MT. #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 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. 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. You can also include an outdoor adventure to spy on local wildlife, like bison, elk, and mountain sheep. 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. 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. With wildlife roaming everywhere, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic parts of the county. . 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. We are renting from Seattle and our ultimate destination is Yellowstone. There is no shade, so protect yourself from the sun if youre here on a hot day. Yellowstone National Park is a geologically unique landscape: of mountains, bubbling geysers and steaming hot springs. In the summer, spend time exploring the town and finding local artwork like the Antler Arches of Jackson. Day 6: Departed Yellowstone 7 AM. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing during your stay. The entire forest is known for its deep valleys and lushes old growth forests. There are two possible routes for a Seattle To Yellowstone road trip: a north route and a south route. 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). 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. Front entrance of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, that holds 5 museums. Stop at Snoqualmie Falls or the Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests for more stunning wilderness. It then passes through the cities of Missoula, Bigfork, Spokane, and Quincy, with the option to stop at Glacier National Park as well. Visit the 25-mile long Lake Coeur dAlene and explore its colossal shoreline. Now that you know how to plan your trip, let's get on to those road trip ideas. Check our road trip itinerary collection for your perfect vacation. This is likely to extend your trip to a couple of weeks, if not more, but it's one of the most scenic drives you can make in the States. Once youve reached Yellowstone, you can decide how many nights youd prefer to spend here. Autumn weather in the area is very mild, so there is a lot of wildlife spotting and activities minus the summer crowds. A post shared by Museum of the Rockies (@museum_of_the_rockies). Next tick off a bucket list item by taking a Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour to see wild horses. So whether you opt for a Seattle to Yellowstone RV trip or a solo adventure from town to town, take the leap. More if you've got young kids and need to stop a lot. My new ebook is now live, soclick hereto buy your copy! That means some roads will be closed, so youll want to check the official site before you plan your trip. 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. Places to stay nearby include Old Faithful Inn (a short walk from the geyser . We go almost every year, but always fly and have been considering driving this summer. It's highly recommended for anyone who wants to drive the entire route. 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 I recommend planning a day or two and booking into a hotel for a night. 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. day 2 driving 8.5 hours. 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. This fall road trip originates in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon and ends in the Yellowstone area. For your first stop on a road trip from Portland to Yellowstone, consider making a pit stop in the Columbia River Gorge. The area boasts great family activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. 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.