Seattle to Yellowstone road trip, the Seattle to Yellowstone National Park road trip covers 1,945 miles. You’ll pass through many different states and one province on your way to Yellowstone.
So there’s plenty of opportunity for exploration along the way. How far is Seattle from Yellowstone? Well, it’s a 633-mile drive. But this article is about the distance you travel when you go on a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone.
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When road tripping, there are many types of miles that you need to be aware of. There’s the distance in miles between gas stops, the distance to review sites on your way, and the distance to your final destination.
The overall distance you drive plays an important role in how much time it will take to get somewhere as well as how much gas you’ll use up. Did you know that using our website to buy your next car can save you hundreds of dollars?
Seattle To Yellowstone Road Trip
If you’re looking for an epic road trip, we’ve got you covered. Seattle to Yellowstone is a 5,500-mile journey that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in America.
We’ve mapped out all the best stops along the way, from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, Denver, and beyond. We’ve also included some great alternatives if your time is limited.
Seattle to San Francisco
The famous Pacific Coast Highway is lined with beaches, vineyards, and hiking trails. Take your time exploring this stretch of coastline.
But don’t miss Muir Woods National Monument or Point Reyes National Seashore. Both are incredibly scenic and worth a stop on your drive north or south.
San Francisco to Los Angeles
The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes about five hours, but if you want to stop along the way at Hearst Castle or Santa Monica Pier, add another hour or so onto your journey (especially if driving in rush-hour traffic).
The Pacific Coast Highway is packed with stunning views of the ocean and mountains, but if you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking surface streets through West Hollywood instead of staying on Highway 1 for part of the way.
If you love nature and want to take a break from city life, then head east from San Francisco and explore the Redwood Forest. You can also visit Napa Valley for some wine tasting!
Best Time To Road Trip To Yellowstone From Seattle
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone? Seattle to yellowstone road trip. The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you love hiking and exploring, your best bet is June through September, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
This time period also has more daylight hours, which makes it possible to go on longer hikes and visit nearby natural sights like Old Faithful Geyser.
Winter may be beautiful, but it can get pretty cold with snowstorms that last several days at a time, so this season isn’t ideal for those who don’t want to be out in subzero temperatures.
If you’d rather take advantage of the park’s iconic wildlife, summer might be better suited for your trip.
There will still be plenty of daylight hours available throughout your stay, and the temperatures tend not to dip below freezing until later in the fall (which means fewer chances of encountering frozen bodies!).
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Best Month To Travel To Yellowstone From Seattle
September is a great month to visit Yellowstone. The weather is mild, but there’s still plenty of daylight to explore the park.
October brings some of the best fall colors in Montana and Wyoming, so it’s a wonderful time to visit Yellowstone. You can still enjoy hiking and horseback riding with fewer crowds than usual at this time of year.
The winter months (December through March) are ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at many of Yellowstone’s locations.
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are no entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park, but some facilities do have fees.
All the entrances have parking areas and ranger stations where you can get information on activities and services in the area. Yellowstone National Park contains the world’s oldest and most geologically diverse landscape.
It was established as the first national park in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, who was inspired by his visit to Yosemite Valley, California.
The park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It spans almost 3,400 square miles and contains over 2 million acres of land.
Map of Seattle
Seattle is a seaport city and the seat of King County, Washington. As of July 1, 2017, there were about 704,352 people living in Seattle.
Making it the largest city in North America’s Pacific Northwest and one of the fastest-growing big cities in the United States.
The city is situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound (an arm of the Pacific Ocean) and Lake Washington, about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canada–United States border.
A major gateway for trade with Asia, Seattle is home to many large corporations such as Amazon and technology companies like Microsoft and Boeing.
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Map of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous and most visited national parks in the United States. Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, USA, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, moose, and elk.
The total area of Yellowstone National Park is 9,567 square miles, which makes it larger than the state of Delaware!
Yellowstone National Park was created on March 1st, 1872, as the world’s first national park by President Ulysses S. Grant (who also gave us Memorial Day).
The park was created to protect wild animals from being hunted by people or killed for their fur. in order to protect these animals from humans both inside and outside of the park.
Many laws were created, including hunting bans and building restrictions within certain areas around Old Faithful geyser, so that visitors could safely view its eruption without disrupting other wildlife nearby.
Seattle To Yellowstone Road Trip Distance
If you’re planning a road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone, the distance is 4,370 miles. This distance is calculated as an approximation of driving time based on the average speeds and distances traveled by road during different times of the day.
weekdays and weekends in summer, spring, and winter. The actual driving time may be longer depending on weather conditions such as snow or rain.
The total distance between Seattle and Yellowstone is 4,370 miles. The best way to travel from Seattle to Yellowstone is by car.
You can take a direct flight from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The cheapest one-way plane ticket is $121.
You can take a bus from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 12 hours and 50 minutes. The cheapest one-way bus ticket is $38.
You can take a train from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 4 days and 9 hours. The cheapest one-way train ticket is $365.
The best way to travel from Seattle to Yellowstone is by car. You can take a direct flight from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The cheapest one-way plane ticket is $121.
You can take a bus from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 12 hours and 50 minutes. The cheapest one-way bus ticket is $38. You can take a train from Seattle to Yellowstone, which takes about 4 days and 9 hours.
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Seattle To Yellowstone Road Trip Most Stop Areas
Glacier National Park: Pack light and bring comfortable shoes. Depending on how long you’re staying, you may want to consider bringing hiking boots or tennis shoes for walking around.
This is a great place to go light and pack only what you need. You can always buy souvenirs on the way home! This is a great place to go light and pack only what you need. You can always buy souvenirs on the way home!
Lake Easton National Park
Spokane WA
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Mount Rainier National Park: Pack only what you need because bags cannot be checked!As a rule of thumb, if it’s not essential to the trip and it weighs more than 5 lbs.
Leave it at home or consider renting a locker for the day so that you don’t have to lug it all around with you on the bus or plane ride there and back again (and then maybe again from your hotel room). You’ll be glad that you did!
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1. Lake easton national park Easton WA
Lake Easton National Park is a reservoir in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Kittitas County, Washington, United States. The lake is a popular recreation destination for boating, swimming, and fishing.
The lake is the largest reservoir in Kittitas County and is fed by four creeks: Cle Elum, Taneum, Snoqualmie, and Chiwaukum Creeks. It is situated just to the north of Cle Elum.
The lake is also one of the most visited places in the National Forest. Every year, thousands of people come to see it.
It is a popular camping spot for people who want to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a great place to take your family on a summer vacation. The lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing.
It also has two marinas that offer boat rentals and other services. The lake is home to many species of fish, including smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and rainbow trout.
The lake also has two campgrounds for people who want to enjoy the outdoors. They both have full hookups and offer camping sites for RVs, tents, and trailers.
They also provide showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities to ensure campers’ comfort during their stay.
The National Forest offers many other activities besides camping, including hiking trails that take you through lush forests filled with wildlife;
Fishing spots where you can catch salmon and steelhead trout; swimming holes where kids can cool off in the summer heat; picnic areas that provide tables and grills.
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2. Spokane WA
Spokane is a city of about 200,000 people in eastern Washington. It’s the largest city east of the Cascades and sits on the Spokane River.
It’s also home to Gonzaga University, which is a Division I school with a basketball program that has won more NCAA tournaments than any other school.
The Spokane Indians are the local minor league baseball team, which you should go see if you’re into baseball (and even if you aren’t).
They play at Avista Stadium, which has hosted three major league games over its history, including one between the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners in 2007.
The Spokane River is one of the largest rivers in Washington, and it flows through the city.
The river is used for all kinds of recreation, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming (which you should only do at certain times of year).
If you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family, go to Riverfront Park, where you can see the falls and participate in one of their many events.
The falls are part of the Spokane River and are surrounded by Riverfront Park. They’re located just north of downtown Spokane, which means it’s easy to get there using public transportation.
You can take a bus or train to get there, and once you arrive at your destination, you can walk or bike around the park.
3. Coeur d’Alene Idaho
I’d recommend stopping in Coeur d’Alene. It’s an artsy mountain city with a lot to do and see. You can get some great food, explore the lakefront area, or even take a scenic drive up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for some skiing.
Coeur d’Alene is also known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, including bald eagles!
If you’re traveling through in the spring or summer months, be sure to check out the farmers’ market. It’s a great way to get some fresh produce and see what’s available locally.
Coeur d’Alene is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s not as busy or touristy as some other cities, so it’s nice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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4. Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is a popular tourist destination in Washington State. It is the highest point in the Cascade Range and one of the most famous natural landmarks in Puget Sound.
The mountain, which is dormant, has an elevation of 14,410 feet above sea level and is located within Mount Rainier National Park. The tallest glaciers found on this mountain are Ingraham Glacier and Emmons Glacier, at 12 miles long each.
Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It has had over 50 eruptions since 1894, and its last eruption was in 1840.
It’s estimated that there will be another eruption within our lifetime, but no one knows when exactly that will happen.
The mountain has an average elevation of 6,400 feet above sea level. Its summit is covered in snow year-round and is the source of rivers and streams that feed into Puget Sound.
5. Missoula Montana
Missoula, Montana, is a great place to visit for the weekend. The city has an active downtown area with tons of restaurants, galleries, and shops.
During the summer months, you can take advantage of all that nature has to offer in this stunning mountain town. There are several national parks nearby, including Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
There are a few things I love about Missoula:
- It’s close enough to Seattle that it’s just over 4 hours away by car (or 4 days on Amtrak).
- There is plenty to do in town, but if you want some peace and quiet, there are many hiking trails surrounding it.
- If you’re looking for adventure, take Highway 93 to West Yellowstone, where you can participate in activities such as whitewater rafting or visiting Old Faithful (the geyser), Yellowstone National Park.
is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s only about a 2-hour drive away from Missoula and well worth it. There are tons of hiking trails in the park and many different wildlife species. You can even take part in some whitewater rafting down the Yellowstone River!
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6. Berkeley Pit Montana
The Berkeley Pit is a former open-pit copper mine in Butte, Montana, United States. It’s located about a mile east of the city center.
The pit was mined for 27 years between 1955 and 1982 by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company (ACM), now part of BHP Billiton. During that time, more than $2 billion worth of copper ore was extracted from it.
In 1992, after ACM ceased operations at the site and left behind 672 acres of toxic water covering 880 acres (3 km2), they also abandoned hundreds more acres of land around it.
as well as numerous buildings that contained contaminants such as arsenic trioxide dust particles that caused chronic lung disease among nearby residents to worsen over time due to inhalation exposure.
Even though I am no longer working at this location. This includes children who still attend school nearby, such as Butte High School.
Which shares its grounds with an elementary school, and where students live within walking distance from these two schools together instead, forming one large campus!
The Berkeley Pit was formed in 1955 when Anaconda Copper Mining Company (ACM) began mining operations at Butte.
At its peak, the mine had an output of more than 200 million pounds (91 million kilograms) of copper per year.
The pit closed in 1982 after 27 years of operation, leaving behind a 672-acre (2.7 km2) body of water filled with nearly 880 acres (3 km2) of water and about 1.5 billion tons of rock waste.
7. Bozeman Montana
In the corridor between Bozeman and Livingston, Montana, there are a few destinations worth stopping by. First off is Bozeman itself, which is actually home to another regional airport (Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport).
It’s also home to the Museum of the Rockies and Montana State University!
Next up is Livingston. The town was originally named for its founder, John A. McDonald, who had previously founded Fort Macleod in Alberta, Canada (the name was changed after some confusion with Colorado City).
You can learn more about this historic town at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or enjoy a scenic drive through Paradise Valley, which offers some breathtaking views along its winding roads.
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8. Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies is a natural history museum in Bozeman, Montana. It was founded in 1972 and currently has five permanent exhibits:
“Dinosaurs,” “Geology & Paleontology,” “Planet Earth: A Natural History of the Yellowstone Plateau,” “The North American Plains,” and “The Great Divide.”
The museum is part of the University of Montana, and it’s located on campus. This makes it super convenient to visit while you’re visiting the university or just passing through town!
The museum was founded in 1972 by Professor John R. Horner and Dr. William J. Schevill, who wanted to create a place where people could come and learn about the natural history of Montana.
The museum has since grown into one of the largest natural history museums in the United States, with over 140,000 visitors each year!
9. Cody Wyoming
After spending some time in Jackson, it’s time to head out on the road and make your way towards Cody. First stop, Yellowstone National Park!
Cody is a charming little town near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.It’s a great place to spend the night, or maybe even overnight if you have time.
There are lots of cabins and hotels in Cody that can accommodate all types of travelers. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants here with great food options if you want something other than fast food while on your road trip.
Cody is also known as “The Last Frontier” because it still has its Wild West vibe but with more modern amenities like shopping malls and movie theaters!
One thing that hasn’t changed about Cody, though, is its wildlife—you’ll still see buffalo roaming around freely throughout town (and there are plenty more inside Yellowstone).
10. Grand Teton National Park Wyoming
Located in northwestern Wyoming, the park is south of Yellowstone National Park.The park includes two of the most prominent mountain peaks in North America:
Grand Teton and Mount Moran. The valley west of the mountains contains a number of lakes, including Jackson Lake, as well as streams that flow into these lakes.
The park is named for the Grand Teton, a mountain whose peak rises to 13,770 feet above sea level. The name “Teton” comes from the Sioux Indian word meaning “mountain.”
The park is known for its scenery and wildlife. It contains many types of plants and animals, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a national park in the United States. It is mostly in the state of Wyoming, but it also goes into the states of Montana and Idaho.
It was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Grant on March 1, 1872.
Yellowstone (pronounced /jazn/; locally pronounced YELL-mer-neck) covers nearly 9,600 square miles (25,890 km2).
It is the oldest national park in the U.S., and its origins can be traced back to President Ulysses S. Grant’s 1872 Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, which was signed by Congress and enacted into law.
11. Jackson Wyoming
Jackson is a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and golfers. The city has a population of around 10,000 and is located at the foot of the Teton Mountains.
A popular activity in Jackson is yoga; it’s considered to be the “Yoga Capital of the World” because of its abundance of yoga studios and classes.
If you’re going to take advantage of all these activities, it may be worthwhile to stay at least one night in Jackson before heading out on your road trip!
Jackson is also a great place to find some good food. The town is home to several restaurants and cafes, along with a variety of fast food chains like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
One popular restaurant in Jackson is the Snake River Brewery, which has won multiple awards for its beers and burgers.
12. Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is located in Idaho and Wyoming. It’s the largest national forest in Idaho as well as the second largest national forest in the continental United States (it was formerly known as a “forest reserve”).
The area encompasses over 2 million acres and includes several peaks higher than 10,000 feet. The tallest mountain is Mt. Eccles, with an elevation of 11,100 feet above sea level!
The forest is home to the Targhee Ski Resort, which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding during the winter.
The resort also has a terrain park for snowboarders as well as cross-country ski trails for skiers and snowshoers.
13. Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is the county seat of Bonneville County, Idaho, in the United States.With an estimated 93,859 residents in 2017, it is the most populous city in the Idaho Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The city was founded in 1901 along the Snake River. It is the principal city of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Micropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 census, Idaho Falls had a population of 90,387.
In the past few years, the city has grown quickly because it is close to both Yellowstone National Park and Teton County.
The city is home to Idaho Falls Regional Airport, the largest airport in eastern Idaho, as well as the College of Eastern Idaho. The Snake River flows through downtown and has been used for irrigation since the late 19th century.
14. Craters of the Moon
The Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in Idaho and was established as a national monument by Congress in 1924.
It became a national preserve in 1972. The park has many volcanic features, including lava fields and craters, as well as cinder cones and shield volcanoes.
The park also offers several hiking trails through these natural volcanic formations. Some of the most popular hikes include:
- Lava River Cave Tour (1 hour): a guided tour through an underground lava tube that is cool year-round.
- Uncle Jim Trail (4 miles roundtrip): This trail leads visitors to Drury Point, where visitors can see views of nearby peaks.
15. Boise
If you’re looking for a change of pace after the hustle and bustle of Chicago, you’ll find Boise to be the perfect place to relax. Located in the Treasure Valley, this city is home to Boise State University.
It’s also Idaho’s largest city outside California and Texas, and it’s one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state.
When you’re ready for some outdoor fun (and maybe even a little bit of adventure), head out on our road trip itinerary from Seattle to Yellowstone!
It’s about a six-hour drive from Seattle to Boise, and the route takes you through the Cascade Mountains. If you’re lucky enough to make it in the fall, there are plenty of changing leaves to enjoy along the way!
From there, head west on Highway 93 toward Jackson Hole, Wyoming (about three hours away).
16. Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area
Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area is a national conservation area in the U.S. state of Idaho, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
It is located in the southeast corner of the state, along the Snake River and its tributaries. The preserve covers approximately 1,075 square miles (2,772 km).
Morley Nelson Snake River National Conservation Area is a unit of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a National Landscape Conservation System. It is located in south central Idaho, about 15 miles north of Grand View, Idaho.
The Snake River forms the western boundary of the conservation area and the Teton Wilderness and Caribou-Targhee National Forest to the east.
The Morley Nelson Snake River NCA is named after Idaho rancher, conservationist, and philanthropist Morley Nelson (1904-1982). His family has operated a ranch in the area since 1903.
In 1955 Nelson donated his ranch to the BLM to establish a national conservation area to protect habitat for bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose and other wildlife species.
17. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
After traveling through the North Cascades Scenic Byway, you head into the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This part of Washington State has some of the most beautiful camping spots in the state, and outdoor lovers go there all year long.
The forest is more than 1,200 miles long and has a number of campsites at different heights to meet everyone’s needs. There are also a lot of lakes in the forest, which are great places to swim, fish, kayak, and do other things.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, try camping at the Cougar Rock Campground in Leavenworth. This campground sits along the Icicle River and is open year-round. It features 45 sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
18. Yakima
You can travel from Seattle to Yakima in a day. The best time to travel between these cities is from April through October, when temperatures are milder and the roads are dry.
The distance between Seattle and Yakima is about 466 miles (750 km). The map below shows where Yakima is located in relation to Seattle.
The best way to get from Seattle to Yakima is by car. There are no direct flights between these cities, so you will have to connect through an airport hub like Portland or Seattle.
You can also take Amtrak, which has stops along the north-south line in both Seattle and Yakima.
19. Walla Walla
Walla Walla Walla is the capital of Washington state, and it’s known for its wine industry. It has a population of around 60,000 and is known as the “festival city.”
The best part about this city? It has great hotels for your road trip needs! The best part of the city is the waterfront.
It’s a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the views. You can also check out some of the festivals that take place here, like the Festa Italiana and the Waterfront Jazz Festival!
If you’re looking for a place to stay, we recommend the Edgewater Waterfront Hotel. It has great views of the water and is close to some great restaurants in town.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an adventure, we have some great tips and tricks. If you’re in a hurry to get started on your road trip.
Check out our guide on how to pack for a road trip. Also, don’t forget to make sure your car is equipped with all the necessary items, like food and water!
One of our favorite road trips from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park has to be along Interstate 90. This will take you through a myriad of different terrains and climates.
The 656-mile (1,048-km) drive will have you travel over remote stretches of wilderness, through open farmlands, towering snow-capped mountains, and thick forests.
Plus, there is at least one ghost town along the way—the abandoned mining town of Lava Hot Springs.
So after taking a day to explore that, you can head into Grand Teton National Park, which features grizzly bears and free-roaming bison. Plus, with these birds in the air above you, it’s going to be an adventure no matter what.
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FAQ
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Where should I stop between Seattle and Yellowstone?
One of the most interesting pit breaks on your drive from Seattle to Yellowstone is Berkeley Pit.
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How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Yellowstone?
21 min (17.9 mi) via WA-520 E, 941 miles or 1,514 kilometers are required to go from Seattle, Washington to Yellowstone National Park by car.
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What is there to see between Seattle and Yellowstone?
The road journey from Seattle to Yellowstone is the top excursion on everyone’s bucket list for a reason. Views of the mountains and the beautiful forest
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How to get to Yellowstone from Seattle?
From Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, there are 6 methods to travel there via vehicle, shuttle, rail, or bus.
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