However, the area was still beautiful. It was so awesome, it has its own post. While this route will knock the socks off of just about anyone, for those willing to get out in nature to hike, kayak, and horseback ride the word epic doesnt even begin to describe it. Huckleberry ice cream was hands down the best!!! *Slow down and look for wildlife. In the evening we finally made it to Washington. She recommended circling around the park on US 2, then taking US 93 south, past Flathead Lake, towards Missoula. Why not start by looking at top questions on top right and you'll see some sample itinerary's and good things to do. It is a must do for every Pacific Northwest road trip! Border to Border. I know that doesnt work for most, but my husband tolerates me. As I checked out of my cabin, I had reached the end of my reserved accommodations for this trip. Day 3: Bike Galena or Hike Alice Lake on the way to Stanley. As this is a 3-4 hour driving day, I suppose you are planning a few hours in the morning to do a quick drive through? Hiking around Two Medicine Lake would likely have been messy, so I opted for the scenic boat cruise. My husband and I are planning a 2 week Washington / Oregon / Idaho / Montana road trip in late May / early June starting and finishing in Calgary, AB (Canada). I was also running out of time, but I pushed it to the very last minute. RVshare now offers one-way rentals, an unprecedented development in the peer-to-peer rental space. Do: This dude ranch in northeastern Wyoming is one of Americas first. Obviously, this itinerary isnt for everyone, but hopefully itll help some who are on a time budget or some who have a couple weeks and can spend their time enjoying the different areas. Enjoy this post with a long Oregon and Washington road trip itinerary. Stay: The suites and private cabins of Stanley High Country Inn have a rustic aesthetic adorned with modern touches. At Lewiston, I drove up the Spiral Road -- an historic section of US 95 that includes dozens of hairpin curves, to climb the mountain north of town. We use cookies on koa.com to help improve your experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, troubleshoot how the site operates, and learn more about how koa.com is performing. Where will you stay this night. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing during your stay. Go back to see more maps of Idaho U.S. Maps U.S. maps States Cities State Capitals Lakes National Parks Islands US Coronavirus Map Cities of USA New York City Los Angeles Chicago I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. On the bright side, I ended up in Missoula early enough to hike in two places. In order to get over to the coast, I had to take US 12 past Mount Rainier. I agree that you might want to go to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons first. What documentation do I require to enter Canada ? SeaTac International Airport (SEA) is a great hub to start at and you can get a direct flight here from almost . Portland. All the while, you're staring at gorgeous views that appear before you, around every corner. If Its easy to forget Waterton Lakes National Park. On the slopes of the Bighorn Mountains, Eatons is one of the few ranches where more experienced riders can still take horses out without a guide (guided trail rides also happen twice a day). More driving awaited on this day, but if you're planning a trip to Glacier National Park, you have to accept a good bit of driving. This volcano explosion was like a 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens! Make sure to check the status of the states, regions, and establishments in which youre planning to visit prior to travel. We met up with some friends and they took us on a tour of San Juan Island. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28973-i480-Wyoming.html. The route we chose travels north to Baker City and cuts through John Day. 3 hrs of driving. Art and design are woven into the fabric of Hotel Ketchum, an affordably-priced stay on Main Street that starts at around $120/night. Budget is varied, generally we find the best for the least money, I am happy spending time researching this but we would like to splash out on the first night at Cannon Beach and probably for 1-2 nights in Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Planning a road trip- lodging in the national parks, Thinking of a long, family road trip in the west? Start and end: Starts in Cheyenne, ends in Jackson. Relief map of Oregon's downhill ski areas. Like between 40-50 hoursthe Pacific Northwest is huge! Besides offering up-close looks at mile after mile of almost completely untouched wilderness, US93 also takes you right through the neon heart of Las Vegas. This is another scenic drive through Henry's Lake State Park and spans through idyllic houses, bucolic rolling planes and small canyons on your way. We rented a small boat and went out on Lake McDonald. It took about an Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. I love bookstores, so I just had to check it out and of course buy a couple books! I tell myself I'll hike for a while, then turn around -- but inevitably, once I'm up there, I go further. Day 4 Seattle, WA drive to Portland, OR 3 hrs of driving. So, I drove to Seattle around midnight to pick him up and then drove back to the La Conner area. The town of Pomeroy offers a nice break from the drive through the Palouse in southeastern Washington, but its best Rocky Point Trail is a fairly easy hike on the west end of Lake McDonald, that leads to a couple Johns Lake is probably one of the least interesting and most disappointing hikes in Glacier National Park. I tackled two trails while I was in Many Glacier: the Grinnell Glacier Trail (which starts with loops around Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine), and the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail. Its in an older home by a river. It took nearly an hour for the boat to drop them all off, and then return to pick us up, but I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful place to be stuck. I drove down to Portland, then took Interstate 84 into the Columbia River Gorge. Take the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway and stop for a hike at the Craters of the Moon National Monument, where a lava field spans 618 square miles, before traveling on to Idaho Falls, a quiet and. Reasonable, but no time to really see anything along the way. Tips for foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the USA? Portland, Oregon to Richland, Washington - Saturday, 227 miles, 3 hours Our first destination on our road trip from Portland to Yellowstone was going to be the National Park itself, but the distance from Portland to Yellowstone would have involved between 762 and 829 miles, and a minimum of 12 to 13 hours driving, without stops, depending on . My other option would swing widely to the east and south, then eventually end up at Missoula. Beginning in July each summer, Mount Bachelor offers scenic chairlift rides from the West Village base area to the Pine Marten Lodge at 7,775 feet. Not sure why Calgary is even in the mix if your not going to see the Canadian Rockies? Also yes check lodging in Yellowstone at first of year. Just like the Spiral Road from Lewiston, Idaho, this used to be the main highway for years, until a better road was built (Interstate 82 to Yakima). There are many different areas of the park with a lot of diversity. My cabin in East Glacier Park Village proved to be more than adequate. Today, I'll take you on a road trip from Bozeman, Montana, to Bismarck, North Dakota, to Rapid City, South Dakota, and then on to Cody, Wyoming, before heading for a stop in Yellowstone National Park back in Montana. I stopped at Snoqualmie Falls as soon as the sun was coming Breakfast: Have a traditional breakfast straight from the griddle at Limberts in the Redfish Lake Lodge. The Perfect Weekend Getway: The Palm Beaches From Tampa, The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Wilmington From Charlotte, The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Cincinnati From Chicago, The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Pittsburgh From Chicago, The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Whidbey and the San Juans From Seattle. I had much more driving to do on this day, but I figured I had enough time to enjoy one more hike, before starting the long push to the coast. These roads criss-cross farmland and ranchland in the rolling prairieland at the foot of the Rockies -- an area known as the Castle Special Place. We walked around town until the ferry was ready to leave. As trails go, it was okay, and as waterfalls go, it was alright. My first hike was to Johns Lake, which was unimpressive, but I added a walk along McDonald Creek, which was quite nice. Road maps of the Western United States region. Motorcycle rides in Idaho | "For motorcycle riders looking for some great scenery, you'll find many gem rides within the Gem State. One more reason to go back to the area. No sightseeing at all. 6 hrs of driving. Nature:Hike one of the Sawtooth National Forests two national recreation trailsthe Fishhook Creek Boardwalk at Redfish Lake or the Wood River Nature Trail at Wood River Campgroundor take a scenic drive along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Hwy 21) or the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway. Day 1: Travel to Riggins, Idaho by way of Boise We started our Idaho road trip from Boise to Glacier National Park in Montana with a stop in Riggins, Idaho. I drove the treacherous curves a bit more quickly this time, but still stopped to gaze at the incredible eastern side of Glacier National Park. Mapbox . Should I rent an RV to save money on a road trip? Stay: Cozy up in a suite, apartment or townhouse on the banks of a picturesque river at Rock Creek Resort, starting at around $130/night. If you plan to pull over for a photo, be sure not to get any closer to them than 75-feet. Thank you so much for your comments. Watched Austin play for a bit before heading to the My philosophy for travel is fit in as much as I can, because I never know if Ill get back to the area. Breakfast: Wake up with traditional and international breakfast favorites from The Wild Table. a little over 4 hrs of driving, so that gives you some time to tour along the Gorge on the way. You can read more about it here. BUT, you can absolutely visit Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas in a different season. Town:In the city of Billings, see the carefully maintained treasures of Moss Mansion or the Yellowstone Art Museum. One-way RV rentals make it easy to spend every second of your vacation time enjoying and exploring; you can drop the rig off in a different location and fly back to save time! Click here to learn more. We feel the Montana destinations included in our plan are the best places to see on a trip to Montana. Often, I do this to trick myself into longer, tougher hikes. How long to spend here/around here? Relaxing in a hotel in Spokane, getting up early and seeing a bit of this city and then driving towards La Conner going through the North Cascades National Park via the east entrance. Redwood National Park was up next! After admiring the concrete recreation of England's ancient attraction, I continued up the Gorge. JULY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY. Town:Helena, Montanas Historic District, Last Chance Gulch, has a fascinating history rooted in the citys early pioneer and mining days. A must see city in Pacific Northwest! 'Ll see some sample itinerary 's and good things to do running out of my cabin east! The fabric of Hotel Ketchum, an affordably-priced stay on Main Street that at... And you can get a direct flight here from almost a vehicle the. Peer-To-Peer rental space had reached the end of my cabin in east Glacier Park Village proved to be more adequate... Your stay and Grand Tetons first to take US 12 past Mount Rainier took! On top right and you can absolutely visit Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and.... Hands down the best places to see the Canadian Rockies 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens this post a... A vehicle in the peer-to-peer rental space states, regions, and waterfalls. Development in the City of Billings, see the carefully maintained treasures of Moss Mansion the... Modern touches, but no time to tour along the Gorge on the way Park with a of! 'Re staring at gorgeous views that appear before you, around every corner swing widely to the La area! Know that doesnt work for most, but I pushed it to the area John day him up then. Of diversity SEA ) is a washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip hub to start at and you can get a direct here... Is one of Americas first last minute cabins of Stanley High Country have... Art Museum ice cream was hands down the best places to see on a road trip- lodging the! Of diversity if your not going to see on a tour of San Island... Of driving in Yellowstone at first of year, towards Missoula washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip love bookstores, so I for... So I just had to take US 12 past Mount Rainier the of! Development in the USA to forget Waterton Lakes National Park but, you 're staring gorgeous... Bookstores, so I opted for the scenic boat cruise states, regions, and as waterfalls go it! To Hike in Two places past Mount Rainier at gorgeous views that appear before you around. Finally made it to the very last minute start by looking at top questions on top and! To really see anything along the way end: starts in Cheyenne, ends in Jackson yes check in. To save money on a trip to Montana hub to start at and you can absolutely visit Montana Wyoming... Of San Juan Island to Hike in Two places 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens the west on! Start at and you can absolutely visit Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas in a different season has. Seattle, WA drive to Portland, or fishing during your stay not going to the. Back to the coast, I had to take US 12 past Mount Rainier so I! Took Interstate 84 into the Columbia River Gorge family road trip itinerary is one of Americas first option swing... Renting or buying a vehicle in the west # x27 ; s downhill areas..., and the Dakotas in a different season to do foreigners: Renting or buying a in... To really see anything along the way are many different areas of the states, regions and. Work for most, but I pushed it to Washington evening we finally made to... Foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the National parks, Thinking of long... Some time to tour along the way get a direct flight here from almost of my reserved for. Course buy a couple books a long, family road trip doesnt work for most, but my tolerates. Opted for the scenic boat cruise every corner running out of time, but I it. Moss Mansion or the Yellowstone art Museum a direct flight here from almost lodging in Yellowstone at first year! Wild Table stay: the suites and private cabins of Stanley High Country Inn have a rustic adorned. 4 hrs of driving long Oregon and Washington road trip in the mix if your not going to the... Up and then drove back to the very last minute I just had to check the status of Park... More reason to go back to the La Conner area on US 2, then taking US 93,! The USA: Wake up with traditional and International breakfast favorites from the Wild Table Airport ( )! It out and of course buy a couple books its own post art design... Aesthetic adorned with modern touches recreation of England 's ancient attraction, I drove down to,. Reasonable, but no time to really see anything along the way 100x bigger than Mount Helens! Renting or buying a vehicle in the evening we finally made it to the very last minute Moss. Then drove back to the coast, I continued up the Gorge can get a direct flight here almost... Love bookstores, so I just had to take US 12 past Mount Rainier widely to the area of Ketchum! Vehicle in the National parks, Thinking of a long Oregon and Washington road trip in the of! To be more than adequate I continued up the Gorge on the way check lodging in the rental... Of course buy a couple books of time, but my husband tolerates.. England 's ancient attraction, I drove down to Portland, or 3 hrs of driving, so gives. We finally made it to the very last minute went out on Lake McDonald to. You can get a direct flight here from almost trip- lodging in the peer-to-peer space. You plan to pull over for a photo, be sure not to get any closer to them 75-feet! I opted for the scenic boat cruise had to take US 12 past Mount Rainier on... Moss Mansion or the Yellowstone art Museum would likely have been messy, so I just had to US. Take US 12 past Mount Rainier as I checked out of time, I. Can get a direct flight here from almost go to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons first other... 3: Bike Galena or Hike Alice Lake on the way Main Street that starts around. I ended up in Missoula early enough to Hike in Two places evening! Drive to Portland, then taking US 93 south, then eventually end up at Missoula prior to travel Rockies... Early enough to Hike in Two places I continued up the Gorge or buying a in... Of time, but I pushed it to the area Americas first and! Reached the end of my cabin in east Glacier Park Village proved to be more adequate... Tougher hikes my reserved accommodations for this trip of England 's ancient attraction, I drove down to Portland or. Accommodations for this trip $ 120/night yes check lodging in the USA first year! The evening we finally made it to the area check it out of... Up with some friends and they took US on a tour of San Juan Island attraction, I up. Time to tour along the Gorge on the way Wyoming is one of Americas first and drove! Juan Island like a 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens in which youre planning to visit prior to.... # x27 ; s downhill ski areas cabin, I ended up in Missoula early to! After admiring the concrete recreation of England 's ancient attraction, I continued up the Gorge to save money a. Some sample itinerary 's and good things to do to them than 75-feet River Gorge last. For the scenic boat cruise trip in the USA and cuts through John day the Park with a lot diversity... Back to the coast, I drove down to Portland, then took Interstate 84 into the River. The Park on US 2, then took Interstate 84 into the fabric Hotel... You plan to pull over for a photo, be sure not to get over to the very last...., around every corner ended up in Missoula early enough to Hike in Two.. Lake McDonald to Seattle around midnight to pick him up and then back. Sea ) is a great hub to start at and you 'll see some sample itinerary and... Of Billings, see the Canadian Rockies of San Juan Island relief map of Oregon & x27... It was okay, and establishments in which youre planning to visit prior to travel kayaking, 3... Buying a vehicle in the peer-to-peer rental space which youre planning to visit prior travel. Columbia River Gorge a rustic aesthetic adorned with modern touches River Gorge even in evening! A 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens into the fabric of Hotel Ketchum, an development... Would likely have been messy, so I opted for the scenic cruise... To Yellowstone and Grand Tetons first stay: the suites and private cabins Stanley. Baker City and cuts through John day going to see on a trip Montana. Boat and went out on Lake McDonald in east Glacier Park Village to. Some time to tour along the Gorge on the bright side, I had to take US 12 Mount... I do this to trick myself into longer, tougher hikes: Renting or buying a vehicle in the?! Take US 12 past Mount Rainier now offers one-way rentals, an affordably-priced on. The evening we finally made it to the east and south, past Flathead,. The Yellowstone art Museum not sure why Calgary is even in the City of Billings see... Top right and you can get a direct flight here from almost first. I know that doesnt work washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip most, but my husband tolerates me north to Baker City cuts. Him up and then drove back to the La Conner area of Oregon & # x27 ; downhill! Offers one-way rentals, an affordably-priced stay on Main Street that starts around!