17 Must-See Stops on a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip

Seattle is the perfect starting point for many road trips, but nothing is more exciting than going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. This may be the most iconic national park in the United States, so most people want to visit it at least once.

Several years ago, I had a summer wedding in South Dakota and decided to make a road trip across the country to get there. I had never driven east of Idaho before, so I couldn’t wait to start creating my itinerary. While I was excited to spend one day in the Badlands, my main excitement was the Seattle to Yellowstone drive, as I couldn’t wait to see this beautiful area.

I spent weeks planning my road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone and finding all the best places to stop. It was one of my favorite road trips from Seattle, so I wrote down all the details to share with you. Here are the places you’ll want to check out and a sample Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary you can follow.

Tips for a Seattle to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip

Here are some tips to help make your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip more manageable.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Yellowstone?

You can visit Yellowstone National Park any time throughout the year, but you should note that the park does get snow in the winter. That means some roads will be closed, so you’ll want to check the official site before you plan your trip.

Summer brings beautiful weather and plenty of wildlife, but the crowds are also massive. I did go to Yellowstone in July and could still see the sites I had on my list, but I also had to wait in traffic during peak hours. You’ll also need to book your accommodation months in advance (as in the winter before).

That said, spring or fall are the best times to visit Yellowstone National Park. Accommodations will be cheaper, there won’t be as many people, and you’ll still have great weather. You can check out everything you need to know before visiting Yellowstone to help you plan.

How Long is the Drive From Seattle to Yellowstone National Park?

If you drive straight, the Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive time will take you about 12 hours. Some people may decide to make this a long weekend getaway from Seattle, which is possible.

However, you’ll likely want to stop along the way to get food and rest. 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.

What is the Distance From Seattle to Yellowstone?

One of the most common questions you probably have about this trip is how far Yellowstone is from Seattle. The distance from Seattle to Yellowstone is approximately 750 miles one way. Again, that doesn’t 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.

How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Yellowstone National Park?

How many days you visit depends on how much extra time you have on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. If you only have one day, you can see a portion of the park, but keep in mind that Yellowstone is huge.

It’s not possible to see all of it in only a few days, and I would say spending 4-5 full days at the park will really let you explore all the areas. Figuring out how much time you have is probably the most important step when planning a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park.

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. That way, you can focus on those spots and not get stressed about trying to drive around to see everything.

What to Pack for a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip

I have a complete road trip packing list to refer to, but here are some of the most essential items you’ll want to bring for your Seattle to Yellowstone drive.

• Emergency roadside kit – Throw this in the back just in case you need it.
• Water bottle – It’s easy to get dehydrated on a long drive, so always ensure you have this full.
• Polarized sunglasses – Some parts of your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip will be bright, so invest in a quality pair of sunglasses.
• Hand sanitizer – Yellowstone can get dusty depending on when you go and how dry it is.
• Blanket – Having a blanket is nice if you want to stop for an impromptu picnic.
• America the Beautiful pass – This pass covers the entrance fee for any US national park, pays for itself in just three visits, and you can visit any national park during the year.

Need help planning out your road trip? I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to see exactly how long it’ll take from one point to the next and find new places to add to my itinerary!

17 Interesting Stops on a Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip

You can do a Seattle to Yellowstone drive anytime throughout the year, which is why they’re such appealing destinations for a road trip. With the warm weather during summer in Seattle, you’ll happily enjoy stopping for hikes, wandering around quaint streets, and taking early morning strolls along rivers. It also makes for one of the best scenic drives in Seattle this time of year.

During the colder season, bring along the skis, book yourself into a cozy Washington cabin, and visit all the quaint villages along the way. 

Below you’ll find the best Seattle to Yellowstone road trip stops and must-see destinations for traveling along the picturesque roads. Pack your road trip essentials and let the adventure begin!

1. Cle Elum

Cle Elum is a small mountain town about 80 miles east of Seattle, right off I-90, and I stop here pretty much every time I drive east of the mountains. It’s the perfect break point on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip because you’ve cleared Snoqualmie Pass and you’re ready to stretch your legs, grab food, and refuel before the long stretch through eastern Washington.

If it’s early in the day, I always stop at Pioneer Coffee Roasting Co on Pennsylvania Avenue downtown. They have amazing seasonal drinks, tons of pastries that keep the kids happy, and a small gift shop section where I usually pick up local soaps to take home.

If it’s later in the day, Cle Elum Brewery is where I’d go. It’s a great spot for a drink, and you can order wood-fired pizza from their food truck.

This is also a practical stopping point if you need to handle road-trip logistics. There’s a Safeway for groceries, gas stations right off the highway, and Cle Elum City Park has a playground if your kids need to burn off some energy before the next stretch of driving.

Another beautiful drive is the Seattle to Banff road trip.

2. Spokane

I visit Spokane twice a year to see friends, so I know this city pretty well by now. It’s the perfect halfway point on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, and there’s way more to do than people give it credit for. Whether you’re stopping for a few hours or staying overnight, here’s what I’d actually do.

Start with Spokane Falls in the heart of downtown. The river runs right through the city, and it’s surprisingly scenic, with the falls roaring through the middle of Riverfront Park. I love walking along the river path because there’s always something going on, like playgrounds, people playing music, and food carts. If you want a better view, the 15-minute SkyRide takes you right over the falls and shows you some of the prettiest parts of the city.

Spokane is also a great brewery town. Two of my favorites are No-Li Brewhouse, the original Spokane microbrewery near Gonzaga University with riverfront patio seating and beer pong, and Iron Goat Brewing, a cozy downtown spot in a historic building with pizza and a long list of taps. If you’re a beer fan, the Spokane Ale Trail connects 28+ breweries around town, so you could spend a whole day on it.

Seasonal favorites worth planning around if you can: in the summer, catch a Spokane Indians minor league baseball game at Avista Stadium. The atmosphere is fun, and tickets are cheap, which makes it a great family stop. In the winter, the outdoor ice skating rink at Riverfront Park is one of my favorite Spokane traditions. I’ve gone with friends multiple times, and it’s perfect after walking around downtown shopping.

Afterward, head into downtown Spokane for dinner. There are tons of restaurants packed into a few blocks, so you’ll have plenty to pick from.

3. Missoula

Spend the entire day in Missoula when going from Seattle to Yellowstone Park, wandering through the streets and exploring the city life, or embarking on adventures found in and around the city. You can do a historical walking tour to learn what life was like in the early 1900s.

You can stroll along the riverside walking trail, check out the farmers’ markets, explore the local distilleries, or grab a pizza overlooking the Clark Fork River. Another great option is to plan a trip to the local wineries and sample some exquisite wines. We stopped here overnight, and it was a great point to take a break before continuing on.

Missoula is also the perfect place to take a slight detour and go on a road trip to Glacier National Park before heading down to Yellowstone.

4. Berkeley Pit

Berkeley Pit is one of the more unique stops on your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to see it at first, but it’s easily worth 30 minutes of your time. This pit is an old open-pit copper mine in Butte with water so acidic it’s the same level as Coke or lemon juice. The bright green color is eerie, but it’s fun to stop here nonetheless to learn about the history and see it in person.

Stopping here on your Yellowstone road trip from Seattle is only a slight detour, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary. Admission is only $2 to go out on the viewing platform, and you can find a fun souvenir in the gift shop while you’re there.

5. Bozeman

Bozeman is known for its easy access to the beautiful outdoors, so I recommend stopping here on your Seattle to Yellowstone National Park drive. It’s the perfect destination for enjoying thrilling nature activities and world-class hiking trails. 

In addition to the great outdoors, Bozeman is home to the Museum of the Rockies, which houses an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils. If dinosaurs aren’t your thing, the American Computer and Robotics Museum is a fun place to stop on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone.

6. Silver Gate Entrance to Yellowstone

Silver Gate is at the border of Yellowstone National Park, and it’s a dead giveaway that you’re heading in the right direction. The gate is surrounded by the Beartooth Mountain peaks, beautifully covered in alpine trees. 

The charming small town offers a welcome break from the drive, with outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy winter sports in winter, while summer offers incredible trout streams and mountain trails.

7. Yellowstone National Park

With wildlife roaming everywhere, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic parts of the country. The park is well worth spending at least a day, given that there are many great things to see and do in Yellowstone. This is also the main point of your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, so spend as much time as you can here.

From here, you’ll start your journey from Yellowstone to Seattle. You can extend this part as long as you want. If you only have one day in Yellowstone, you can still see famous areas such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Hot Springs.

However, I recommend spending a few days here if possible, since the main point of driving from Seattle to Yellowstone in Wyoming is likely to explore what the area has to offer. I have a full 4 day Yellowstone itinerary to give you more ideas of what to do here!

8. Cody

A trip to Cody will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped into the Wild West with awesome cultural activities and natural beauty. If you’re keen on exploring the Wild West during your Seattle to Wyoming road trip, a trip to Old Trail Town is in order. This attraction features a collection of 26 historic cabins.

Alternatively, you can get lost in time while driving from Seattle to Yellowstone to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where five museums rest under one roof. 

9. Grand Teton National Park

If you’re an outdoor lover, you must squeeze in one day in Grand Teton National Park into your Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. This is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, just south of Yellowstone, so you might as well stop here on the way from Yellowstone to Seattle.

For a relaxing day, head to Jenny Lake and spend time doing easy Grand Teton hikes and having a picnic. There are also many challenging, longer hikes you can do if you’re up for it, such as the Cascade Canyon Trail or the Hidden Falls Trail.

10. Jackson

Jackson is one of the biggest base towns for visiting Yellowstone, so it makes a great overnight stop on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. It sits right at the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park and is about an hour south of Yellowstone’s south entrance, which means you can easily combine both parks into one trip. The town itself is small but packed with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and access to outdoor adventures in every season.

I stayed at the Mountain Modern Hotel in downtown Jackson and loved how walkable the location was. The hotel is two blocks from Town Square, and you can get to most of downtown’s restaurants, shops, and the iconic Antler Arches of Jackson without ever getting back in the car.

For dinner, I’d recommend El Abuelito Mexican Restaurant right near the hotel. It’s a casual, family-run spot known for huge portions and consistent quality (the steak burrito is what I’d order again). The next morning, we grabbed coffee at Cowboy Coffee Co, which is the local downtown spot for espresso and pastries, before heading into Grand Teton for the day.

If you’re in Jackson during peak summer or winter, this area is the launch point for some of the best wildlife viewing in the Lower 48. The National Elk Refuge is just north of town and holds the largest elk herd in the country during winter (you can do a sleigh ride through the refuge from December through April). You’ll also have a good shot at spotting moose, bison, and bears in the surrounding parks year-round.

11. T.A. Moulton Barn

The T.A. Moulton Barn was one of my favorite stops on this whole Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip. It’s one of the most photographed barns in the country (you’ve definitely seen the picture, even if you didn’t know it was here), set against the Tetons, with the mountains rising behind it.

My husband woke me up at 5 am to drive out here because he knows how much I love photographing sunrises. I was heavily pregnant at the time, so getting up that early was rough, but he was right that it would be worth it. We pulled up, and there were already a dozen other photographers quietly setting up their tripods in the dark, waiting for the light to start hitting the mountains. It was the kind of quiet, focused energy you don’t get many other places.

The barn is about 20 minutes north of Jackson, so plan to leave at least an hour before sunrise to give yourself time to get set up. Try not to walk into anyone’s shot when you’re staking out your spot. Then it’s just a matter of waiting for the light to do its thing.

12. Craters of the Moon

Chances are, we’re not going to get the opportunity to step on the moon anytime soon. So why not head to the next best thing when headed from Yellowstone to Seattle? This is one of the best things to do on a road trip from the Pacific Northwest.

Lava was responsible for the moon-like appearance as it slowly oozed from volcanoes. It consists of lava beds, tree molds, spatter cones, and cinder cones. I recommend stopping at the Volcanoes and Space Research at the Visitor Center to discover the tales of the natural formations. 

This was an unexpected stop I made on my way from Yellowstone National Park to Seattle, and I’m glad I made the time. It seemed like such a random thing to look at, but I couldn’t get enough of it. There is no shade, so protect yourself from the sun if you’re here on a hot day.

13. Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area

Composed of grand canyons and the Snake River, Morley Nelson offers a vast expanse of wildlife habitat. The area is home to 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. Each spring, these beautiful birds will spend more time here, mating and raising their young.

Use this opportunity to stretch out your legs and hopefully catch a few glimpses of these remarkable species. 

14. Boise

The capital city of Idaho, Boise, offers a variety of adventurous activities, with outdoor options and a vibey downtown to enjoy. Boise also has some pretty unique attractions, like the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Old Idaho Penitentiary. 

Along with shopping and sightseeing, you can join food tours, hiking trails, and guided walks around downtown. If you love French fries, you’ll need to stop at Boise Fry Company to choose from various potatoes to make your fries and numerous dipping sauces. I was obsessed with this place and can’t wait to go back on my next trip.

15. Walla Walla

Walla Walla is one of the best weekend getaways in Washington. I’ve been a handful of times now (travel writing conference, a girls’ weekend with a friend, and an anniversary weekend with my husband), and there’s always more to do. The downtown is small but packed with great food, walkable wine tasting rooms, and the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel anchoring it all. If you’re driving the Seattle to Yellowstone route and you have the time, it’s worth working in an overnight here.

For wineries, three of my favorite picks are Leonetti Cellar (one of the original Walla Walla wineries, founded in 1977 and with a tasting room open by appointment), Valdemar Estates (a beautiful modern tasting room on Mill Creek Road with great food pairings), and Castillo de Feliciana (a Spanish-influenced winery with one of the prettiest patio settings in the valley). There are dozens more, but those three give you a real cross-section of what the valley does well.

My favorite places to eat are AK’s Mercado for casual Mexican done well and Passatempo Taverna for Italian with a great wine list. End the night with a drink at The Marc Bar inside the Marcus Whitman Hotel. It’s a beautiful historic spot, the cocktails are well-made, and the lobby setting is exactly the kind of vibe you want for a nightcap on a wine country trip.

16. Yakima

Yakima is a great stop on the drive to Yellowstone if you have a couple of extra hours, especially if you’re a wine or beer fan. I’ve been four times now (a writer’s conference, a family trip, a solo trip for guidebook research, and another half-dozen times stopping for a few hours en route somewhere). It’s Washington’s first AVA for wine, produces nearly half the state’s wine grapes, and grows around 75% of the US hop crop, so the wineries and breweries are surprisingly good. For a deeper breakdown of the area, see my full guide to things to do in Yakima.

One of my favorite places to eat in Yakima is Los Hernandez Tamales in Union Gap. It’s a small, unassuming spot that won a James Beard “America’s Classics” award in 2018, and people drive from California to buy tamales in bulk to take home. I always order more than I think I need. If you can swing a spring visit, the asparagus tamales are what they’re famous for.

A great hike I keep going back to is Cowiche Canyon on the west side of town. The trail network lets you make it as short or long as you want, and the canyon scenery is great. Just go early because there’s almost no shade out there.

If you want to overnight in Yakima rather than push through to Boise or beyond on your road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, I’d stay at the Oxford Suites Yakima. It’s right on the Yakima River with balcony views and a pool, and it’s where I stayed.

17. Snoqualmie Pass

Sometimes I just want to return home on a road trip, but other times I feel itchy and need to stretch my legs a lot more. If that’s 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.

There are plenty of hikes to choose from, whether you want waterfall hikes like Twin Falls, short Washington hikes like Franklin Falls, or winter hikes like Gold Creek Pond. There are also great seasonal hikes around here, such as Snow Lake, an ideal fall hike in Washington, or even rainy day hikes in Seattle that you can do.

The Ultimate Seattle to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s how I’d structure a 5-day Seattle to Yellowstone road trip. You can stretch it longer if you have more time or pull a couple of stops if you’re tight, but these 5 days hit the highlights without rushing.

Day 1: Seattle to Missoula (with a stop in Spokane)

Leave Seattle in the morning and break up the long drive with a stop in Spokane around lunchtime. Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park are right downtown and a great way to stretch your legs (see my full breakdown in the [Spokane section above]). Grab lunch downtown, then keep heading east.

Missoula is just past the halfway point and a good place to spend the night. I love hiking the Mount Sentinel “M” Trail when I’m in town. It’s a short half-mile climb to a viewpoint that overlooks the entire Missoula Valley and the surrounding mountains. After the hike, downtown Missoula has a lively dinner-and-drinks scene that’s worth exploring before turning in.

Day 2: Missoula to Cody

Day 2 is one of the longest driving days, so get an early start. Cody is the gateway town to Yellowstone’s east entrance and is well worth an overnight stay.

The first thing I’d do once you’re in town is book a Cody Trolley Tour, which takes you on a 1-hour ride through the historic old town and out toward the Shoshone River Canyon with guides sharing stories of Buffalo Bill and the Plains Indian people. It’s a great orientation to the area if you’ve never been.

For something more adventurous, the Red Canyon Wild Mustang tour takes you on an American-style safari to see wild horses, bison, elk, and mountain sheep.

Don’t miss the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (the museum complex covers Plains Indian history, western art, firearms, and natural history) while you’re in town.

Day 3: Cody to Yellowstone National Park

This is the heart of the trip. Once you’re in Yellowstone, decide how many nights you want to spend in the area. I’d recommend at least 2 nights to actually see anything without rushing.

Yellowstone is massive (over 2.2 million acres), so pick a few sections rather than trying to see it all. If wildlife is your priority, Lamar Valley is where to go. If geothermal features are the draw, focus on Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. If you want to see the dramatic landscape, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is incredible.

If you’d rather not drive yourself around the park, a guided tour of Yellowstone hits the iconic stops in one day, including the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Old Faithful. Yellowstone gets extremely crowded, so even if you’re here on a road trip, you might want to take a break and let someone else handle the driving and parking. You might also spot bears, wolves, or eagles, depending on the season.

Day 4: Yellowstone to Jackson

Day 4 takes you south through Grand Teton National Park to Jackson. The drive itself is one of the best parts of the trip, especially the stretch through Teton Park with the mountains rising up on your right.
Jackson is a fun town with plenty to do.

If you want to spend time on the water, a scenic river rafting experience on the Snake River is a 13-mile float through the Snake River Range, Gros Ventre Range, and the Tetons. It’s a great way to see the area without driving.

If you prefer to hike, Grand Teton National Park has trails for all skill levels. You can also do T.A. Moulton Barn at sunrise if you’re up for an early morning (more details in the section above).

Walk around downtown Jackson for dinner. The town has great restaurants and bars, plus shopping along the boardwalks if you want to bring home a souvenir.

Day 5: Jackson to Boise to Seattle

The last day is a long driving day, so break it up with a stop in Boise. I’d start the morning with a Boise food tour through the trendiest downtown neighborhoods, which is a fun way to sample dishes from award-winning local chefs and get a feel for Boise’s growing food scene.

Afterward, walk through the Idaho Botanical Gardens to see native plants and outdoor garden art before getting back on the road. Spend the night in Boise to break up the drive home, or push through if you’re up for the long haul back to Seattle.

Going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip was one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done, and I hope you’ll feel the same after going on your drive!