Next tick off a bucket list item by taking a Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour to see wild horses. If you enjoy long, scenic drives that incorporate both mountainous and forest terrain, you should consider a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. 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. On chillier nights, you can sit and chat around a fire pit on the charming patio. drive for about 1.5 hours. How Long is the Drive From Seattle to Yellowstone National Park? 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. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers visitors an extensive range of recreation activities. The city offers the perfect combination of thrilling nature adventures and impeccable hiking trails. If youre a photographer, youll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise at T.A. Several years ago, I had a summer wedding in South Dakota and decided to make a road trip across the country to get there. Walla Walla has been gaining a lot of attention for being a fantastic holiday destination. Although there are plenty of amazing hotels here, the best would have to be The Duniway Portland. For lunch, I recommend getting pizza at Finn Restaurant with a view near the Clark Fork River. Make sure you are prepared for slightly chilly weather as winter approaches. Hug the Washington-Oregon border along the Columbia River, and either stay on the interstate or detour to Umatilla and Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuges. It then passes through the cities of Missoula, Bigfork, Spokane, and Quincy, with the option to stop at Glacier National Park as well. . Join aRed Canyon Wild Mustang tour, where youll have the opportunity to see wild horses on an American-style safari. Day 3: Hiking Cascade Canyon. Need help planning out your road trip? A trip from Michigan to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming will take a traveler on a more than 1,600-mile journey across the United States' northern Plains. Its the perfect time to get your hands on the freshest farm-to-table offerings so make the best of it! Make sure to add the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Central Idaho onto your itinerary. 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. 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. California to Yellowstone National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. You should plan on staying the night here before your long drive back to Bozeman (give yourself two and a half hours). You've looking at 2100 miles which is a good 4 days travel time one way. Stop at Snoqualmie Falls or the Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests for more stunning wilderness. What is the Distance From Seattle to Yellowstone? Rushmore this summer. I make a formal land acknowledgment showing my respect and appreciation to the people of these lands. 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. There are also plenty of weekend trips from Boise if you want to extend your time here. Needless to say, as unpredictable as spring and fall can be here, they pale in comparison to wintertime temperatures will commonly hit 0 degrees, meaning you should come prepared if you plan on visiting around this time. 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. Just a short drive from Spokane, the town is a quaint and quiet area to take a breath and stretch your legs. Combine a visit with a stop at the Volcanoes and Space Research at the Visitor Center to discover the tales of the natural formations. The museum also has three to five themed exhibitions yearly with these about the Viking Age or Native American history. For the golf lovers, dont forget to visit the worlds only floating green at the lake. Figuring out how much time you have is probably the most important step when planning a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. day 2 driving 5.5 hours. I had never driven east of Idaho before, so I couldnt wait to start creating my itinerary. 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. 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. The entire forest is known for its deep valleys and lushes old growth forests. Recommended reading: Surrounding Yellowstone National Park are wonderful cities, charming Old West towns, and less-traveled regions to explore. Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things! Some people may decide to make this a long weekend getaway from Seattle, which is possible. Walla Walla is also home to impressive art galleries, breweries, recreational activities, and excellent restaurants. 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). From the mountainous views to the lush forest, this road trip is just unforgettable. Visitors can partake in winter sports in the winter, while the summer offers incredible trout streams and mountain trails. 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. It runs from southeastern Idaho all the way to the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming borders. Finally, it's worth noting that this hotel is rather affordable - the amount you get is amazing considering the price. Ive been using Roadtrippers for years to see exactly how long itll take from one point to the next and find new places to add to my itinerary! But to make the most of your trip and see the amazing parts of the park, Id suggest a two or three-night stay. With so much to see and do on the way, you'll be coming back to this incredible drive for years to come. Western USA: Road Trip to 11 Stops on the Yellowstone Loop The Yellowstone Loop: 11 Stops to Make on an Epic Western Road Trip By Michael Yessis Route distance: 1,561 km Suggested Time: 2 weeks + A vast, scenic landscape provides the timeless backdrop for the western United States. We go almost every year, but always fly and have been considering driving this summer. My adventure lovers gift guide can give you more ideas of essentials to bring. 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 . The short nine minute drive to Grand Teton National Park might not seem like much but I guarantee its well worth stopping. We'll be arriving from the south side, through Wyoming and will want to continue on to Washington state when we leave. soooo excited. 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. That will be a great trip! Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Glacier National Park? If you long to experience the wilderness, plan a fun-filled road trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. 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! Each spring, these beautiful birds will spend more time here, mating and raising their young. day 2 driving 6 hours. Aside from outdoor activities, one must also plan to go shopping, take wine tours, and guided walks around downtown. 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. 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. 4:54 pm West Yellowstone. We will be pulling a 34 ft. trailer and have 3 kids, young but seasoned road trippers. On top of the long trip, you'll have to account for the unique weather conditions in the park itself. Tips for a Seattle to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip. The distance from Seattle to Yellowstone is approximately 750 miles one way. The cheapest way to get from Washington to Yellowstone National Park costs only $414, and the quickest way takes just 9 hours. Though the National Park is the ultimate destination, I promise the route has tons of worthy stops you must check out. If you visit in summer remember to see the local artwork such as the Antler Arches of Jackson. The northern route follows the I-90 and is the shortest and quickest route. Arrival in Seattle. You can definitely tackle it in one epic day of driving, but this is vacation after all, so plan to spend 2 - 3 days checking out some of the must-visit towns and cool attractions along the way. Kootenai Falls, Montana Amazing Things to See and Do. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. 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. 6:06 pm West Yellowstone. Plan to have a picnic for breakfast or lunch at Jenny Lake but remember to stay safe, the area is known for having bison and grizzly bears among other big animals. Stop in the cute little town of Walla Walla for . My name is Marissa, and Im a travel writer and photographer from Seattle. . With an array of things to do, its an excellent place to spend the night. 21,199 posts. Things To Do In Southern Illinois | 15 Exciting Things To Do This Weekend, Amazing landscape of small geysers, hot springs, and vents. Seattle is the perfect starting point for many road trips, but nothing is more exciting than going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. Before properly leaving the area, take another day or two to explore Jackson. Overall, the direct distance from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park is about seven hundred and fifty miles. This modern downtown loft sleeps three people and is the heart of downtown (rates start at $108 per night). When you arrive in the capital city of Idaho, be ready to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure combined with the unique downtown experience. . Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things! 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. Level Contributor . It was one of my favorite road trips from Seattle, so I wrote down all the details to share with you. However, youll likely want to stop along the way to get food and rest. 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. Reach this natural wonder traveling 788 miles (1268.16 kilometers) in about 12 . This particular road trip plan begins in Jackson, Wyoming, and crosses through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, before entering Montana. Needless to say, if you follow our guide, it will be far from boring and packed with fun stops and entertaining things to do. 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. If you want to have a fantastic time in Jackson, ascenic river rafting experienceis unforgettable. Portland. 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. If you drive straight, the Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive time will take you about 12 hours. 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 . Tacoma, Washington. After the out-of-space adventure, lets jump back in the car and let the three hours and forty minute drive to Boise, Idaho bring us back down to earth. Road Trip Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park, Places to stop, Badlands, Little big horn, Wyoming, Montana, Rapid City. Thanks to the "regenerative braking" the electric motor acts as part of the braking system to stop the vehicle and . We may buy an RV and give this a try soon! During your stay, Teton Village is a great place to hit the slopes - you can easily drive there or take the free shuttle to allow for aprs-ski. We actually arrived ahead of schedule at 2.30pm. 2 reviews. Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? Pack your bags, fill your gas tank and let the route lead you down the most scenic roads from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park. Best Time to Visit Cape Cod MA | Seasons | Festivals | Whale Watching. Youll stop at the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and visit the Old Faithful Geyser. 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. Yellowstone is a huge park. Not to say 1 week is ever enough time, but by following the itinerary below, you'll get a good taste of Utah and see why so many people . I also love walking along the river, as there are playgrounds, people playing music, and plenty of entertainment. Then continue to lose yourself in history by exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West that houses five museums in one building. and leave at 7:06 pm. Another great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors while on your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive is Bozeman. The charming small town offers a good break from the drive, with outdoor recreational activities and scenic beauty. We made an itinerary for this road trip to take in a lot of the scenery along the way and make sure to really see as much as we could. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park is from late April to May and September to early October. 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. So stretch your legs, have a picnic and catch some fish, both literally and figuratively, before the heading off to Idaho Falls. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are highly efficient in city driving and mixed driving conditions with stop-and-go traffic. 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 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. Visit the 25-mile long Lake Coeur dAlene and explore its colossal shoreline. Check out the Riverfront Park while youre there to get some steps in and view the beautiful river. I have used your advice on the route and where to stay, I have it all booked up!! With little planning, the "boring" part of the trip can be just as good as the destination. From nature lovers to history buffs, this is the ultimate road trip stop for everyone. This fall road trip originates in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon and ends in the Yellowstone area. There are two possible routes for a Seattle To Yellowstone road trip: a north route and a south route. SeaTac - Portland - Columbia River Valley. San Juan Islands Distance from Seattle: 110 miles Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes Monika Wieland Shields/Shutterstock.com The final stop on your road trip is West Yellowstone, Montana. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. National Geographic rated the park as one of Americas best urban parks. 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. 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. Believe it or not, theres more than one right answer to this question. 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. 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