If you’ve ever dreamed about hitting the road with your windows down and mountains on the horizon then this trip is for you.
This epic drive takes you from a buzzing city by the sea to one of the most mind-blowing national parks in the country.
Along the way, you’ll pass through cute towns, wild forests, giant lakes, and even a few surprises you’d never expect.
So get ready because this road trip is packed with adventure, and you won’t want to miss a single stop.
1. Seattle, WA
Seattle is a big city in the Pacific Northwest, sitting right on the edge of Puget Sound in Washington State, with the snowy Mount Rainier often peeking out in the distance.
It’s famous for the Space Needle, amazing coffee (yep, Starbucks started here), and its rainy reputation, even though it actually gets less rainfall than many other U.S. cities.
You can stroll through Pike Place Market to see fish flying through the air, snack on fresh donuts, or check out the world’s very first Starbucks.
Seattle is also packed with cool stuff like the Museum of Pop Culture, ferries to nearby islands, and neighborhoods full of indie shops, cozy cafes, and incredible views.
2. Leavenworth, WA
About two hours east of Seattle, you’ll roll into Leavenworth which is a tiny mountain town that looks straight-up like a Bavarian village from a snow globe.
Every building has cute alpine-style architecture, and yes, people really do walk around in lederhosen during Oktoberfest.
You can munch on giant pretzels, sip local cider, and shop for handmade nutcrackers while the Cascade Mountains tower around you.
It’s also a big spot for outdoor fun, including river tubing in the summer, snowy sleigh rides in the winter, and hiking trails just minutes from Main Street.
3. Lake Coeur d’Alene, ID
Next up is Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, and this place is all about that laid-back lake life.
The lake is massive (over 25 miles long) and perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, or just floating around with a cold drink.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene is right by the water and packed with ice cream shops, lakeside restaurants, and a boardwalk that actually floats.
If you’re into views, don’t miss the Tubbs Hill hike which loops right along the lake with pine trees, secret coves, and a lot of scenic beauty.
4. Silverwood Theme Park, ID
Just a short drive north from Coeur d’Alene, you’ll find Silverwood Theme Park.
It’s the biggest theme park in the Northwest, with over 70 rides and attractions including wooden coasters that’ll shake your bones and water slides that’ll leave you soaked and laughing.
There’s even a whole separate water park called Boulder Beach, so pack a swimsuit and plan to spend the whole day.
It’s super family-friendly, with old-timey train rides, carnival snacks, magic shows, and way more fun than you’d expect in the middle of Idaho.
Please note that the park operates on weekends in May, daily from June through August, and returns to weekends in September, with days and hours varying, so it’s best to check online before planning your visit.
5. Flathead Lake, MT
After the thrills at Silverwood, Flathead Lake in Montana is your spot to slow things down and soak up some serious natural beauty.
This is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and the water is so clear you can sometimes see 20 feet straight down.
You’ll pass cherry stands along the roadside (yes, the local cherries are famous), and there are quiet spots all around the lake for swimming, fishing, or skipping rocks.
If you’re up for a mini adventure, take a boat out to Wild Horse Island which is home to actual wild horses, bighorn sheep, and some seriously stunning views.
6. Glacier National Park, MT
From Flathead Lake, it’s a straight shot up to Glacier National Park, aka the land of jaw-dropping mountains, turquoise lakes, and more epic views than your phone can handle.
This place is packed with over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the super popular Hidden Lake and Grinnell Glacier hikes.
One of the wildest parts is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a narrow mountain highway that winds through cliffs, tunnels, waterfalls, and insane views at every turn.
Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, moose, and maybe even a grizzly, this park is straight-up wilderness with a capital W.
7. Bozeman, MT
After soaking up the wild in Glacier, Bozeman brings you back to civilization but with a cool, outdoorsy twist.
This college town is surrounded by mountains and full of breweries, gear shops, and spots to grab a bison burger after a day of exploring.
You can wander through the Museum of the Rockies (hello, real dinosaur skeletons!) or hit nearby trails if you’re not done with nature just yet.
It’s also a great place to stock up on snacks and stretch your legs before the final stretch to Yellowstone.
8. Gardiner, MT
Just when you think Montana can’t get any more scenic, you roll into Gardiner which is the tiny, rustic town right at Yellowstone’s north entrance.
It’s got a Wild West vibe, with old wooden storefronts, roaming elk, and the iconic Roosevelt Arch welcoming you into the park.
You can grab a burger at a local diner, dip your toes in the Yellowstone River, or spot bison wandering by like it’s no big deal.
This town might be small, but it’s the perfect launch pad for the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
9. Yellowstone National Park
And finally—you made it!
Yellowstone National Park feels like stepping into another planet, with geysers shooting into the sky, rainbow-colored hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that smell like rotten eggs (but in a cool way).
You can watch Old Faithful erupt, hike through canyons with waterfalls crashing below, and maybe even spot a bear or a herd of bison crossing the road.
It’s wild, weird, and totally unforgettable—the kind of place that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.
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