Seattle to Montana roadtrip

Question

Shwmae / Hello !

Hoping for some advice please. My husband and I are booking a 2 week trip flying from the UK to Seattle then hiring a car to drive down to Montana, we wanted to see Bozeman, Billings, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park at the very least. We're from Wales in the UK.

Anywhere else we should stop at on the way and the way back? An itineray of sorts would be amazing please. Our first and last night will be in Seattle so I guess around 10-11 days on the road to explore. My first time to visit the USA and an absolute bucket list trip! So excited!

We'll also need accomodation and how long to spend in each place please. I am finding it difficult to plan all this myself so any help would be so appreciated. :)

Diolch yn fawr! / Thank you very much!

Answer

Shwmae and hello! It sounds like you’re going to have an amazing time on your trip. A two-week road trip from Seattle to Montana, with stops in Bozeman, Billings, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park, is an unforgettable adventure! I’m happy to help with an itinerary, accommodation suggestions, and some ideas for places to stop along the way. Here’s a general itinerary that will help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Seattle

Since you’ll be arriving in Seattle, it’s a great idea to explore the city before hitting the road. Spend the night here, as it’s a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. I’d recommend visiting Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. You can also enjoy the waterfront and have a delicious seafood meal. There are many excellent hotels in Seattle, such as the Four Seasons, Hotel Theodore, and the Thompson Seattle.

Day 2: Seattle to Spokane (Approx. 4-5 hours, 280 miles)

Begin your road trip by driving east from Seattle to Spokane, Washington. This city is known for its beautiful parks and the Spokane River. It’s a good place to stretch your legs after a long flight. You can visit Riverfront Park, the Spokane Falls, and have a nice dinner at one of the local restaurants. Stay overnight in Spokane (the Historic Davenport Hotel is a lovely choice).

Day 3: Spokane to Missoula, Montana (Approx. 3 hours, 200 miles)

Drive from Spokane to Missoula. This small but charming city in Montana is a good stop for the night. You can explore the downtown area, visit the University of Montana campus, and enjoy the local restaurants and cafes. Consider staying at the Historic Wilma Hotel or another charming downtown property.

Day 4-5: Missoula to Bozeman (Approx. 3 hours, 200 miles)

Drive from Missoula to Bozeman, a vibrant college town with a great mix of outdoor activities and culture. Bozeman is a gateway to Yellowstone and offers plenty of outdoor opportunities like hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby parks. You can also visit the Museum of the Rockies, which has fascinating dinosaur exhibits. Spend two nights in Bozeman to get a feel for the town. Try staying at the Element Bozeman for a convenient, modern hotel experience.

Day 6-8: Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park (Approx. 1.5-2 hours, 90 miles)

Next, head to Yellowstone National Park. This is a must-see for your trip, and you’ll want to spend at least two or three days here. Explore iconic sites like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Yellowstone Lake. Don’t miss the chance to see wildlife such as bison, elk, and possibly wolves. Stay in one of the park’s lodges (book early!) or in a nearby town like Gardiner or West Yellowstone. A cabin at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is a great choice.

Day 9-10: Yellowstone to Billings (Approx. 2-3 hours, 130 miles)

After spending time in Yellowstone, drive to Billings, Montana’s largest city. You can visit the Pictograph Cave State Park, the Yellowstone Art Museum, and the historic downtown. For accommodation, the Northern Hotel offers a luxurious stay. Spend one or two nights here before heading north.

Day 11-12: Billings to Glacier National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours, 300 miles)

Now it’s time for Glacier National Park! Drive from Billings to Glacier, making sure to take in the dramatic landscapes as you go. Once in Glacier, there are several iconic places to visit, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road (if you get a reservation) and beautiful spots like Lake McDonald and Logan Pass. You can hike the many trails, visit historic lodges, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Stay for two nights at places like the Many Glacier Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge.

Day 13-14: Glacier to Seattle (Approx. 6-7 hours, 400 miles)

After exploring Glacier, make your way back to Seattle. You can either drive back through Spokane or take a different route to explore more of the Pacific Northwest. Once back in Seattle, spend your final night enjoying a delicious meal and reflecting on your amazing adventure. Consider staying at a hotel near the airport for convenience, such as the Hyatt Regency Seattle or the Westin Seattle.

Additional Stops and Suggestions:

Columbia Falls: A small town just outside Glacier that has charming shops and cafes.
Helena: Montana’s state capital offers historic sites and a relaxed vibe, a great place to stretch your legs.
Reno (on the way back): If you’re interested in a quick stop, Reno offers some great food, culture, and casinos.

Accommodation Tips:

While in the national parks, it’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially in the summer months. Many of the lodges within Yellowstone and Glacier can fill up quickly, so try to secure reservations as early as possible. For smaller towns like Missoula and Bozeman, you’ll have plenty of options, ranging from budget hotels to charming boutique inns.

Time Spent in Each Place:

Seattle: 1 day (arrival and exploration)
Spokane: 1 night
Missoula: 1 night
Bozeman: 2 nights
Yellowstone: 2-3 days
Billings: 1 night
Glacier: 2-3 days
Seattle (departure): 1 day

This itinerary provides a good balance between driving and exploring, with plenty of time in the parks to enjoy all the natural beauty and historical sites. I hope this helps you plan your trip—you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure!

Diolch yn fawr! Enjoy your trip to the USA!

Seattle to Montana roadtrip

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