California to Yellowstone National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures you'll have when you arrive. It also passes Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Turnbull National Wildlife, Spokane, and Riverside, to name a few possible places to stop. On your way out, visit the Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial that honors five employees who died while saving visitors. This pet-friendly house sleeps up to six people (rates start at $150 per night). That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything. My new ebook is now live, soclick hereto buy your copy! The shortest distance by road is about 750 miles. This may be the most iconic national park in the United States, so most people want to visit it at least once. There is no definitive best route from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, especially if time isn't a concern for you. Centrally located in downtown Portland, this hotel is the perfect pick for you if you're planning a night out here. With little planning, the "boring" part of the trip can be just as good as the destination. stay for about 1 hour. 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. The barn is about 20 minutes north of Jackson, so get up at least an hour before sunrise to get here. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The next stop is Yellowstone National Park. I recommend planning a day or two and booking into a hotel for a night. The rooms come with amazing views of the mountains, and some of them feature a beautiful fireplace. Yellowstone National Park Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into parts of Montana and Idaho is Yellowstone, America's oldest and largest national park. This spacious log cabin is beautifully designed and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms (rates start at $195 per night). Your email will not be provided to third parties. The drive is a blast! . The forest occupies over 3 million acres. If youre lucky, you might catch a glimpse of bears, wolves, and wild eagles in the park. The area boasts great family activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The Mount Rainier National Park has tons to explore, from the forests to waterfalls and grasslands to rivers. Closeup of a boiling geyser in Upper Geyser basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. However, July and August are the busiest time in the park because its usually school holidays and the perfect time to camp. The Cascade Crest marks the western boundary of the forest while the the eastern edge extends into Okanogan highlands near the Okanogan River. 2 years ago. drive for about 1.5 hours. Chicago is the most popular city on the route it's 11 hours from Washington DC and 22 hours from 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 monument is a field of rock hard lava that looks very similar to the surface of the moon. Combine a visit with a stop at the Volcanoes and Space Research at the Visitor Center to discover the tales of the natural formations. Our Epic Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary. 7:33 pm arrive in West Yellowstone. The short nine minute drive to Grand Teton National Park might not seem like much but I guarantee its well worth stopping. 1 helpful vote. I also love walking along the river, as there are playgrounds, people playing music, and plenty of entertainment. Maybe you really want to see the animals in Lamar Valley, or you just care about seeing Old Faithful. 2015-2023, Postcards to Seattle. Idaho National Parks Northwest Road Trip Utah Wyoming Prepared By: Tobey Schmidt The entire forest is known for its deep valleys and lushes old growth forests. Pack your road trip essentials and let the adventure begin! 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. Nicely written. The road trip from Vancouver to Yellowstone National Park takes at least 15 hours and 40 minutes to drive and covers a distance of 1,525km (950 miles). 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. Yellowstone is a huge park. Day 2. BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. Spend a few days exploring the dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, forests, hot springs and geysers as well as the abundant wildlife. That's why, instead of waiting around for that elusive free room in Yellowstone's hotels, consider making Snow King Resort your base of operations as you explore this corner of Wyoming. Here are some tips to help make your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip more manageable. This is probably the most photographed place in Wyoming, so its a must-see on your road trip to Yellowstone from Seattle. If you visit around June or July, be prepared for the crowds of people you will face during the trip. Here are the places youll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow. I found out this was in the area and immediately decided to get up early to shoot sunrise photos here. Next tick off a bucket list item by taking a Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour to see wild horses. A relaxing stroll along the waterside or a quick swim is the perfect break from being in the hot car. See & Do. That will be a great trip! PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY deadwood. The city offers the perfect combination of thrilling nature adventures and impeccable hiking trails. Before properly leaving the area, take another day or two to explore Jackson. Your itinerary has me thinking its time to go back. 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. . Check their website to make sure they are operating before making plans. Now filled with water, the pit is known to be as acidic as Coke and lemon juice. There are some really great resorts in town, but Snow King Resort is one of, if not the best. 11Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park. After the long journey, its finally time for the your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip to draw to a close. For your first stop on a road trip from Portland to Yellowstone, consider making a pit stop in the Columbia River Gorge. 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. Thanks to the "regenerative braking" the electric motor acts as part of the braking system to stop the vehicle and . Not only is it a fascinating sight, but the river holds much of the towns history and heritage. Foodies, downtown Idaho Falls is crying out to you. The book Route 66:EZ66 Guide For Travelers is from a passionate lover of Route 66. Stops on the Way. The stunning city has been gaining popularity as the perfect holiday destination because of its impeccable wineries. find more stops. drive for about 2 hours. Day 1. The gate is surrounded by the Beartooth Mountain peaks, beautifully covered in alpine trees. Use this opportunity to stretch out your legs and hopefully catch a few glimpses of these remarkable species. Recommended reading: This post was first published in 2018 and fully updated in 2021. Recommended reading: Reach this natural wonder traveling 788 miles (1268.16 kilometers) in about 12 . . Show only these on map Gettysburg The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. Answer 1 of 3: I'd like some knowledgeable advice on the best drive itinerary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The road takes you from Seattle to Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest then to Mount Rainier National Park. 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. The capital city of Idaho, Boise, shows off a variety of adventurous activities, with things to do outdoors and a vibey downtown to enjoy. With its highest points reaching over 6,000 feet, snowfall is never really off the table in Yellowstone, even in June or July. Overall, the direct distance from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park is about seven hundred and fifty miles. Ready to stretch your legs again, the small town of Coeur dAlene is the perfect next stop. After relaxing, unwinding and absorbing all the city life Boise had to offer, its time to head back to exploring nature by stopping off at the Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area. This post was first written in 2018 and was last updated in February 2023. There are also plenty of wineries and breweries to check out if you have time on your Yellowstone to Seattle road trip. Keep in mind that the park is known for its colder temperatures, especially during winter. Below youll find the best Seattle to Yellowstone road trip stops and must-see destinations for traveling along the picturesque roads. 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. Featuring a jacuzzi and outdoor pool, massage and concierge services, and the Haydens Point Restaurant, this hotel truly has it all. 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. We had time for only one hike in . This is probably the unique stop along the way. Level Contributor . Aside from stocking up on great wine before returning home, also explore the art galleries, breweries, and restaurants in the area. The Seattle To Yellowstone road trip is the ultimate bucket list adventure for a reason. If youre an outdoor lover, you must squeeze in one day in Grand Teton National Park into your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. If youve got the space, and time on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, bring along some camping chairs to sit along the river, and pack your fishing rods, hiking boots, and paddleboards. We may buy an RV and give this a try soon! Note that the North Entrance is the only way to enter the park with a car in winter. Make sure to add the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Central Idaho onto your itinerary. What to Pack for a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip, 17 Interesting Stops on a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Stop, 13. There's a decent Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in August start at $370 a night. The area is home to 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. Missoula will only require about a day of exploration. It then passes through the cities of Missoula, Bigfork, Spokane, and Quincy, with the option to stop at Glacier National Park as well. 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. Chances are, were not going to get the opportunity to step on the moon anytime soon. You should plan on staying the night here before your long drive back to Bozeman (give yourself two and a half hours). 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. . 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