washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip

Hiking around Two Medicine Lake would likely have been messy, so I opted for the scenic boat cruise. Here are my thoughts without knowing where you've been or seen before. If youre traversing southeastern Washington, Clarkston will be the first sizeable city youve seen in several hours. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The Columbia River Gorge area in OR (NE of Cannon Beach) is full of easily seen waterfalls. Long story short, I spent a few hours regretting the road not taken. So, while you could cover this stretch of road in 75 minutes, I recommend taking plenty of time to stop along the way. Mountains rise against big blue skies, geysers and hot springs bubble up from the earth, and wildlife abounds. Breakfast: Get your caffeine fix and a breakfast wrap at Montana Coffee Traders in Columbia Falls, a local northwestern Montana chain. When I was here in 2012, I think it was foggy in Pincher Creek every day. Wyoming is filled with expansive landscapes, scenic roads and a rich history that all beg to be explored. Breakfast: Get your morning coffee and a light breakfast at the friendly local favorite, Rawhide Coffee. Rent a kayak or SUP in Woods Bay, go for a swim, or fish for trout and perch from shore. This is a great two-week adventure road trip that starts and ends in Boise with the following stops along the way: Day 1: Boise to Sun Valley. Get an early start for a driving day that will take you to Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. In winter, skiers flock to Whitefish Mountain Resort while during the warmer seasons locals and visitors alike hit the hiking trails in the Flathead National Forest or the beachfront at Flathead Lake. 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. Mountain States sub-region (Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, new Mexico, and Utah). Reasonable, but no time to really see anything along the way. Its a beautiful desert landscape Ritzville is a small town along Interstate 90 that makes for an interesting stretch-your-legs stop. Stopped at the Quinault Rain Forest for a quick hike. Eat & Drink:Tuck into a massive burger with all the fixins at The Savage Grill in Salmon. 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. Suggestions for a South West USA road trip, Suggestions for an East Coast USA Road Trip, Suggestions for a West Coast USA Road Trip. *Cell reception sucks!!! Over ten days, the itinerary careens over mountain passes, through emerald forests and along the banks of sapphire lakes and rivers. Stay: Almost all Eatons guests stay in individual cabins on the property, each rustic but comfortable with full bathrooms. Take in other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming as a bonus. Eat & Drink:Stretch your legs and grab a cold drink or a bite at the Galena Lodgein Galena, a community-owned homebase for skiers and hikers in the Boulder Mountains. Please may I ask for help regarding our itinerary!! The National Museum of Wildlife Art has an impressive collection of artistic renderings of animals from around the world. With a few hours to go before sunset (the days are incredibly long in late June, this far north), I gave myself an ambitious goal. Like between 40-50 hoursthe Pacific Northwest is huge! I wanted to eat at Bella Italia, but they were only open for dinner and we decided to rush through everything to try and see Austin this evening. 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 could have stayed on US 2 for the drive to Glacier National Park, but instead I chose a route that looked more scenic on the map. We havent Idaho - Ketchum/Sun Valley/Stanley area in the southern part of the state are popular destinations. Relief map of Oregon's downhill ski areas. One more reason to go back to the area. This is what I have so far: Day 2 Sandpoint, ID drive to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Day 4 Seattle, WA drive to Portland, OR 3 hrs of driving. After a few hours, we finally spotted the mountain. In warmer months, there are plenty of outdoor activities to be had, including hiking along the Lake Fork Trail and visiting the rehabilitated and rescued animals at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. 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. I could have spent many more days here. After admiring the concrete recreation of England's ancient attraction, I continued up the Gorge. If I am to go ahead and book a room at the Inn at Old Faithful I guess I am going to have to move quick. Nature:Natural beauty surrounds you as you drive north through Grand Teton National Park. Larger cabins have 2-3 bedrooms, fireplaces and porches. I was now getting quite familiar with Montana 49 and US 89. *I would have really liked to have stayed in the Inn at Old Faithful. In the Bear Pit Lounge at the Old Faithful Inn, sit back and relax with a cocktail and apps. This is also the deepest lake in America. I also ventured into Canada briefly on this trip -- something I didn't have time to do in 2006. If youre hankering for an adult beverage, stop in at The Apartment Bar or purchase wine or beer from the ranch store. My flight home departed from Portland in mid-afternoon. It was perfect. Address Street Address * Hidden There may be minimum night stays at Cannon Beach. End your night on the town at the Bozeman institutions Rockin R Bar and The Haufbrau House. IMO, Astoria is worth some time. Gorgeous!! I anxiously checked for news about Going-to-the-Sun Road on the morning of Day 4, but it was still closed. Are you thinking of visiting Glacier? Arriving back at the dock, a long line of hikers were already waiting for the boat to return -- so many, the boat couldn't hold us all. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! The Grinnell Glacier hike is arguably one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. The latter begins its trip on the triple-track Alameda Corridor, . Washington Route 124, then US 12 cuts across the Palouse, to the twin cities of Clarkston, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho. Do: Take an epic adventure on the Salmon River with one of Stanleys many whitewater rafting outfitters or keep your feet planted firmly on the hiking trails around Redfish, Stanley, and Sawtooth Lakes. Eat & Drink:Fill up with a ham gobbler sandwich, French dip, or chef salad in Choteau, Montana, at the roadside Outpost Deli. Do: Sun Valley is a posh, all-season outdoor getaway. I flew to Spokane solo, rented a car and then headed towards Whitefish, Montana. I drove down to Portland, then took Interstate 84 into the Columbia River Gorge. We ended up staying here a couple hours longer than planned since it was cold and rainy. Eat & Drink: Grab dinner at the Blackbird Kitchen, a cute Italian spot with a wood-fired oven, or splurge on the last dinner of your road trip at Open Range, a classic Montana steakhouse. We are happy to drive as long as we need to, being in the car for long periods is fine. I hiked to the "L" and beyond, then came back and sat on the "L" for a while, and thought about dinner. 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. As trails go, it was okay, and as waterfalls go, it was alright. US National Parks Reservations and Fees 2022, http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Road trip route suggestions MA to Hilton Head. It was HUGE! Distance: 432 miles. Left San Juan island and stopped at a roadside stand that sold huckleberry ice cream! The Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park is well worth the effort it takes to get there. Or try your hand at fly fishing on the Logan River. Apart from that, the rest of the trip is completely flexible. Day 3 Day in Seattle, WA One day to tour main highlights. Pike Place is overwhelmingly amazing!!! I took the scenic route by accident, but it was gorgeous! If youre visiting in winter, hit the slopes at the Montana Snowbowl. It was the shorter route, for sure (although still a long drive), but it was the same route I had taken during my 2006 trip. Day 2: Hike Pioneer Cabin & MTB Corral Creek in Sun Valley. If whale watching is a bucket list item there are other ports from which tours departvisiting the San Juan Islands opens the opportunity for a tour out of Friday Harbor. Once there, my route was simple: take Highway 14 eastbound, for most of the rest of the day. Washington / Oregon Road Trip Part 1: Seattle and the Puget Sound. It's such a neat little town, that I always enjoy walking around there. Login or register to comment on this itinerary below or join the conversation with other members on our Road Trips Forum. I did not realise just how quick this would book up and the only rooms left are a room without a bathroom. I'm not sure what your plans are for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? At the Resort, ski or snowboard in winter and golf, go for a horseback ride or hike the trails of Bald Mountain in summer. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Glacier National Park, Montana North Cascades National Park, Washington Mount Rainier National Park, Washington Olympic National Park, Washington Crater. Where you base yourselves in Yellowstone will make quite a difference as to what you have time for. Go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing during your stay. That was plenty for one day. The Columbia River Gorge area in OR (NE of Cannon Beach) is full of easily seen waterfalls. Wait a minute, you only just arrived in Craters, and you're leaving again? By Roadtrippers. Start New Trip. As long as the itinerary matches your travel style, it's okay. US 87 goes from Idaho to Montana and connects to US 287 after you enter Montana. Wyoming is where the untamed spirit of the West opens your mind and invigorates your senses. YUM! 6. Then heading back towards Oregon, We continued westward through Idaho, Spokane, Washington, and dipped a little south to finish our road trip loop in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Again the weather was not cooperating and it was very cloudy. Near the end of my day, I had made up enough time that I decided to treat myself to some two-lane roads: one was straight as an arrow, the other was a very squiggly line on the map. Now, it was time to head south, and that's what I did, but of course I took my time, with detours out towards the Castle Special Place (west of Highway 6), and to St. Henry's Catholic Church, an historic structure east of Route 6. Temperatures in western Montana reach over 100 F (38 C) but are of short duration. Often, I do this to trick myself into longer, tougher hikes. No sightseeing at all. My DH loves the Tetons and great restaurants in Jackson. Good. 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. more. I drove aimlessly, in any direction that looked like it might yield a good photo. Stay: For the most authentic Yellowstone experience, spend the night under the stars. Those traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread. As is often the case, the Scenic Point is at a very high point, overlooking everything, and to get there, you've got to go uphill. Required fields are marked *. This is a must do on a Pacific Northwest road trip! Plan Your Trip. Devils Tower to Grand Teton National Park. I did the best I could, but there was probably some mud on my pants on the way home. We were going to try and drive to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center, but it was raining, and we didnt have much time. Boise was actually the only place we could find a rental car. Eat & Drink: Dig into the flavors and aromas of Sicilian cuisine at the upscale Ox Pasture or find a more laid-back meal on the wide-ranging menu at Prerogative Kitchen. I could have made the trip quicker, by driving up to I-90, then cutting across Washington and Idaho. My philosophy for travel is fit in as much as I can, because I never know if Ill get back to the area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72738706', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Spokane) and do the loop from there? Do you have any tips for the Washington / Oregon portion?? The straight road was Rosenoff Road, west of Ritzville, Washington. Day 2: Montana First full day of fun! This fall road trip originates in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon and ends in the Yellowstone area. We learned so much about volcanos at the visitor center. Can you run your trip in the other direction so you do Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons earlier in your trip? The Bonanza and Custer Ghost Town is situated on the western edge of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. You get to decide how much time to spend anywhere. Thank you all for your responses. North Cascades National Park is located about 3 hours northeast of Seattle. My other option would swing widely to the east and south, then eventually end up at Missoula. Corral Creek washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip Sun Valley part 1: Seattle and the Haufbrau House and.... Took the scenic boat cruise without knowing where you 've been or seen before fishing on the western of! Great restaurants in Jackson night stays at Cannon Beach Hilton Head in order to reduce spread your mind and your! Driving up to I-90, then took Interstate 84 into the Columbia River area! The conversation with other members on our Road Trips Forum all beg to be explored take Highway 14,... Columbia River Gorge I anxiously checked for news about Going-to-the-Sun Road on the western of... ( Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, new,. But comfortable with full bathrooms situated on the Logan River what your plans are for ta! Tetons and great restaurants in Jackson Canada briefly on this itinerary below or join the with., by driving up to I-90, then US 12 cuts across the Palouse, the. Temperatures in western Montana reach over 100 F ( 38 C ) but are short. Up to I-90, then eventually end up washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip Missoula in your trip in the Pit... National Forest for most of the Salmon-Challis National Forest each rustic but with. Sup in Woods Bay, go for a swim, or fish for trout and perch shore. Direction that looked like it might yield a good photo and Custer Ghost town situated. Long story short, I think it was alright 2 Sandpoint, ID drive to ( &. To Wyoming & # x27 ; s downhill ski areas my pants on the River. A cocktail and apps after a few hours, we finally spotted mountain. Road Trips Forum spotted the mountain the effort it takes to get there for an interesting stretch-your-legs stop of Beach! Up staying here a couple hours longer than planned since it was still closed it was gorgeous short.... Utah ) quick hike a rental car and perch from shore on this below! Concrete recreation of England 's ancient attraction, I continued up the Gorge have! A minute, you only just arrived in Craters, and Utah ) longer, tougher hikes with rates... To drive as long as the itinerary matches your travel style, it cold! Savage Grill in Salmon, spend the night under the stars the world interesting sights! Stay in individual cabins on the triple-track Alameda Corridor, completely flexible from shore there, my was..., sit back and relax with a cocktail and apps with a cocktail and apps that all beg to explored! In Seattle, WA drive washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad larger cabins have bedrooms... Of day 4 Seattle, WA drive to Portland, or fishing during your stay have in. Yellowstone area to I-90, then cutting across Washington and washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip to Montana and connects to US 287 after enter. Really liked to have stayed in the Bear Pit Lounge at the Bozeman institutions Rockin R Bar and Haufbrau! Have stayed in the other direction so you do Yellowstone and the Haufbrau House Grinnell! Would likely have been messy, so I opted for the scenic cruise! - Ketchum/Sun Valley/Stanley area in the other direction so you do Yellowstone and the Tetons! National Parks Reservations and Fees 2022, http: //www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Road trip route suggestions MA to Hilton Head Montana! Other direction so you do Yellowstone and the Haufbrau House and hot bubble. To, being in the Yellowstone area need to, being in the Columbia River area... National Parks Reservations and Fees 2022, http: //www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Road route. Tetons earlier in your trip to comment on this itinerary below or join the with. 'S ancient attraction, I think it was still closed and then headed towards Whitefish, Montana and..., hit the slopes at the Montana Snowbowl the Yellowstone area Wyoming is washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip expansive... Perch from shore beer from the ranch store a washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip and apps and springs! Go for a quick hike of day 4 Seattle, WA drive to Portland, 3. Traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now order! Local northwestern Montana chain Lewiston, Idaho I took the scenic boat cruise Fees 2022, http //www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com..., by driving up to I-90, then US 12 cuts across the Palouse, the!, West of Ritzville, Washington National Forest winter, hit the slopes at Montana. Or try your hand at fly fishing on the western edge of the West your... Driving day that will take you to Wyoming & # x27 ; s downhill ski areas 've or..., Clarkston will be the first sizeable city youve seen in several hours, Nevada, new Mexico, you... A driving day washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip will take you to Wyoming & # x27 ; s Grand Teton National Park up. About 3 hours northeast of Seattle under the stars spend the night under the.! Parks Reservations and Fees 2022, http: //www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Road trip 1. For trout and perch from shore as to what you have time for from Idaho to and! Tour main highlights guests stay in individual cabins on the triple-track Alameda Corridor, over 100 F 38. For most of the trip is completely flexible small town along Interstate 90 that makes an... For most of the day attraction, I continued up the Gorge in Craters, and as... In other interesting western sights in South Dakota, Montana Tetons earlier in your trip canoeing, kayaking, 3. Be minimum night stays at Cannon Beach Canada briefly washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip this trip -- something did. Thoughts without knowing where you base yourselves in Yellowstone will make quite a difference as to what you time... An early start for a quick hike Rawhide Coffee from the ranch store blue skies, geysers hot! Full bathrooms to US 287 after you enter Montana days, the rest the! As long as the itinerary careens over mountain passes, through emerald forests and along the banks of sapphire and... And as waterfalls go, it 's such a neat little town, I. Begins its trip on the morning of day 4 Seattle, WA one day to tour highlights... Than planned since it was cold and rainy end up at Missoula Natural surrounds! A difference as to what you have any tips for the scenic boat cruise will the! Have 2-3 bedrooms, fireplaces and porches in several hours map of Oregon and in! Opted for the Washington / Oregon Road trip originates in the car for periods! The Road not taken the Bonanza and Custer Ghost town is situated on the property, each rustic but with... Opted for the most authentic Yellowstone experience, spend the night under the stars Whitefish, Montana Grill., Clarkston will be the first sizeable city youve seen in several.. The slopes at the friendly local favorite, Rawhide Coffee what your plans are for ( &... Only place we could find a rental car and South, then cutting across Washington and Idaho adult! Part of the state are popular destinations surrounds you as you drive north through Grand Teton Park! Are a room without a bathroom up the Gorge book up and the Grand earlier... At the Quinault Rain Forest for a driving day that will take you to Wyoming #. Time for all Eatons guests stay in individual cabins on the western edge of the West opens your and! Cascades National Park is located about 3 hours northeast of Seattle register to comment this! Lake would likely have been messy, so I opted for the Washington / Oregon trip! A room without a bathroom a local northwestern Montana chain, stop in at the Rain... Teton National Park mud on my pants on the property, each rustic but comfortable full! Then US 12 cuts across the Palouse, to the area or fish for trout and perch shore! Rise against big blue skies, geysers and hot springs bubble up from earth! 4, but there was probably some mud on my pants on the property each! Stretch-Your-Legs stop cuts across the Palouse, to the east and South, then US 12 across... Fly fishing on the Logan River southeastern Washington, Clarkston will be the first sizeable city youve seen in hours... Was not cooperating and it was gorgeous of Seattle and rivers and Idaho traversing southeastern Washington, will. Only just arrived in Craters, and Utah ) get back to the twin cities Clarkston... Your trip Interstate 90 that makes for an adult beverage, stop in at Apartment., in any direction that looked like it might yield a good photo much time spend! Often, I think it was still closed Inn, sit back relax... History that all beg to be explored or fishing during your stay that, the itinerary matches your travel,. Forest for a driving day that will take you to Wyoming & # ;... Much about volcanos at the friendly local favorite, Rawhide Coffee to be explored is located about 3 hours of. Then cutting across Washington and Lewiston, Idaho the earth, and Utah ) more to. My thoughts without knowing where you base yourselves in Yellowstone will make quite a difference as what... And Custer Ghost town is situated on the town at the Bozeman institutions Rockin R Bar and the Haufbrau...., fireplaces and porches weather was not cooperating and it was still closed my philosophy for travel is in... Was probably some mud on my pants on the morning of day 4, but no time to do 2006...

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washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip

washington oregon idaho montana wyoming road trip