Follow along for an epic Idaho road trip through Ketchum, Stanley, Salmon, Missoula (a little side trip to Montana), Coeur dAlene, and McCall. During our trip, we saw everything from bears to moose, including one moose who kept trying to come uncomfortably close to us (fun fact: moose are some of the most dangerous animals in the parks give them a wide berth). To protect visitors and the park, there are a few key pointers to follow: Geotagging seems natural to many of us millennialswe want to share the cool things we see when we are traveling! Firstly: be aware during your trip that Glacier National Park and, in fact, most USA National Parks was originally inhabited and maintained by Indigenous peoples. Whats the difference between a national park and a national monument? The primary difference is the reason for preserving the land. Roadtrip Idaho Montana Wyoming US Travel. I, personally, drive on side streets (where possible) because the main streets get all backed up. and received our complimentary beers at check-in. We havent been to Montana in 20 years and unfortunately didnt make it to Glacier then. Another fun place to stop on the drive between Wyoming and Idaho! Today, youll be spending the day hiking with a very special friend: a llama! Its also important to keep in mind that American Indian culture is not something that exists in the past it is still thriving and present, despite centuries of oppression and brutal policies that have pushed out Indigenous peoples and disenfranchised them. After Salmon, we drove to Missoula, a funky college town of 75,000 that we loved. You can rent one from somebody who does on RVShare! Obviously, there are many other options at all price ranges. Detour to The Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana20 minutes away from Livingston is The Old Saloon, an old western restaurant and bar established in 1902. The guide includes everything from the hacks we use to save money on travel to printable packing lists. Across the street we went to lunch at Buckhorn Bar, where we sampled local beers, fried food, and most interestingly, the musings of the local people. Here are the top things to do in the area: Livingston is a historical railroad and ranching town in Southwestern Montana, a short distance north from Yellowstone National Park. The views of the powerful waterfalls were breathtaking and a must see in this park. We took our road trip at the height of summer, and I highly recommend anyone considering a visit to this region to travel during this time. The mostly flat loop takes you all the way around Lake Josephine, which is absolutely stunning. And Im so glad the rest of the itinerary was helpful Im glad you had a good trip! We would like to spend a few days in Seattle and Portland at the start, aswell as a lake in Montana for a few days at the end. Well also send our favorite travel tips straight to your inbox! But before too long, the Blackfeet were forced out of their re-assigned home in order to make way for luxury hotels and trains and wealthy tourists. We passed through several dying towns of boarded-up windows before driving to Twin Falls, Idaho. There are shuttles running throughout Glacier National Park, and you can take them from the entrance of West Glacier up Going to the Sun Road all the way to Logan Pass and East Glacier (and back again) for free! (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': As a western montanan I dont agree with this road trip. We arrived at Bruneau Dunes State Park just after 9:00. People have a lot to say about Vegas, but in my opinion, you just gotta enjoy it for what it is: a tacky fabulous adult Disneyland. However, because we road-tripped in the summer and stayed near well-known US national parks, these cost about $100 an average each night not the cheapest option for accommodation. If youve never tried to change from a wet bathing suit into comfy driving clothes on the side of a road, well, youre missing out. International Selkirk Loop, 6373 Bonner St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA 4. Road Trip Conditions. Montana looks so beautiful in your pictures! Additionally, this itinerary includes routes that pass through American Indian reservations. Montana wasnt on my bucket list yet but your post convinced me . Insider tip: the wild forest mushroom and puff pastry tapas will literally change your world! If you plan on hiking a must on any Western US road trip AllTrails is a great resource for locating the best trails in your area. There are several historic railroad lodges located within Glacier National Park, and we had a chance to stay at a few of them during our trip. Day 15 Flathead Lake, MT drive to Whitefish, MT. Its also a destination with much to offer those who stay for a Alicia was surprisingly calm about the predicament Dana put us in. Running all the way from West Glacier to East Glacier, the road winds through the valleys before suddenly plunging upwards and climbing turn by turn through the mountains of Glacier National Park, with views of sweeping U-shaped valleys and aquamarine lakes around every corner. Alicia and I stayed the recommended 100+ yards away and watched through our binoculars. When it comes to navigating unfamiliar territory especially unfamiliar wilderness territory, full of legally protected critters and forests and such it really helps to have a guide. By Lia Garcia | Updated on: February 20, 2022. But be sure to time your visit just right: the road opens in June or July and closes for weather-related reasons around late September or early October, so be sure to check that date before you go (and remember: the weather in Montana is unpredictable AF). Day 3-4 of your Montana Road Trip: Bozeman. Of all Montana road trips, this one is perhaps the most popular (and is sometimes referred to as Glacier National Parks Road to the Sun). One of the best ways to get the full Idaho experience is to road trip through the state. We became best friends by the end of the hike and it made my entire life. Here you go! These unique and beautiful formations are a must-see on any Wyoming itinerary. Ice-capped mountains dominating lush valleys. Although your adventurous friends Jen and Ed probably felt that they were doing a good thing by highlighting our town of Whitefish, the bummer for the residents of Whitefish is that our town has been TOTALLY overwhelmed with tourists the last few years. Check out some of our other posts! So yeah, enjoy your visit. Please also be courteous and wear a mask where required. After closing that place down, we went next door to a little Italian place for dinner (which closed at 9), and then ended the evening down the street at Lewis and Clark Brewering (which closed at the very late hour of 10 PM). Bozeman will be your next stop from Billings. We had no cell service, and there was no one around. Here are a few highlights: Sawtooth Lake (10 miles RT, moderate rating) Pettit Lake to Twin Lakes (13 miles RT, moderate rating) Bench Lakes (7.8 miles RT, moderate rating) Alpine Lake Trail (7.4 miles RT, moderate rating) You can find tons of other hikes on AllTrails. While we were waiting for him, a pick up truck pulled up to us and the driver yelled Let him go, hell follow!. Rest time was over at about 5 PM, and we were back out on the road heading to the East park entrance. WebThe route to here from Bear Lake weaves along the Idaho/Wyoming border through Jackson, Wyoming, and passes west of another popular local destination, Grand Teton National Park, before ending in West Yellowstone, Montana. Speaking of which: Before you leave Big Fork, stop by the adorably named Grateful Bread Cafe and pick up a slice of one of the top 10 huckleberry pies in Montana! and enjoyed chatting with the owner and his father. So, only slightly less intimidating than the Loch Ness Monster. We also found another great place to see on the drive back to Boise in Arco, Idaho, the first city in the world to be lit by atomic power. Thinking Pacific Northwest. Jackson Glacier seen from Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. During the summer, the traffic in town is terrible, bumper to bumper. Youll be staying on the banks of the lake in a charming little town called Bigfork, one of many charming little towns located around Flathead Lake. Starting from Boise and working your way counterclockwise around the state to some of the best outdoor spots makes for one memorable Idaho road trip. We will also send you our favorite tips to help you plan your Montana road trip! Just in time too, because about 20 minutes later the skies opened up. The roads dont support the influx of travellers, there have been over 2 hour traffic jams on the 2 lane road that runs through town. The next two stops, Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend, had gorgeous views of the Tetons and Snake River. I hope you find it useful when planning your own road trip through the Western United States! The closest hotel we could find available was in Ontario, Oregon - 7 hours away from where we were and 5 hours past where we were going. I would like to spend more time digging into some of the more challenging hiking trails and exploring the Many Glacier and Medicine Road sections of the park as well. And be sure to get something comfy: this is a road trip, after all! This was our first adventure since the world shut down for the Coronavirus pandemic and we knew it had to be epic so we create an itinerary to visit Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton National Park - and we hit the road for a 10-day road trip to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Start by biking to City Beach and along the River Trail to take in lakeside views more details & a map can be found here. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], If you do go in mid-summer, expect crowds. Wow I love this post and itinerary ,such lovely places. Still, Im not sure I would choose this trail again as it was crowded and there is a large portion that runs alongside a road. You know Dana touched ALL the animals and then Alicia doused her in hand sanitizer before letting her back in the car. You can also turn this road trip into a fantastic RV trip, complete with some of the best RV camping the country has to offer in Glacier National Park. In retrospect, I wonder if some of the people we told were thinking to themselves that we were the dumb tourists who thought a coyote was a wolf (which, lets be honest, we were). It was another awesome Alicia & Dana Adventure! However, some Tribal Nations, including the Confederated Salish and Kootnai Tribes and the Blackfeet Nation, are leading the way on Tribal infrastructure and, in turn, tourism. Take in the views from the balcony off the spacious living room. It is going to be crowded, people are going to be annoying. One of the best ways to get the full Idaho experience is to road trip through the state. So good! Articles like this are whats ruining our small town of Whitefish. You can make it almost all the way around Whitefish Lake and not have to share the road with cars! During my trip I spoke with a Montana state government employee involved in developing Indigenous tourism, who shared some of the challenges faced at the State level. It was also our first adventure since Danas fun hospital visit in Ecuador so we decided a US road trip was the way to go. The story of the horses on Wild Horse Island is that the Salish-Kootenai tribe kept their horses on the island to keep them safe from being stolen by other tribes. A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a bear her father had just killed. My partner and I went there today and we felt extremely uncomfortable and upset. We were very excited to have a bear sightingfrom the safety of our car, and not on a hiking trail. Today was one of our main driving days, which can be some of the best days of a road trip! Heres what we did in Stanley: Stay: The Sawtooth Hotel is a charming and relatively budget-friendly option. Of all Montana road trips, this one is perhaps the most popular (and is sometimes referred to as Glacier National Parks Road to the Sun). The strip is obnoxious and ostentatious, crowded with symbols of American capitalism, casinos, wedding chapels, and strip clubs. Once you complete the hike, you are rewarded with six warm pools, a waterfall, and sweeping views of the scenery below. Youre welcome. We enjoyed the warm hues of the setting sun as we continued our way out to the main road and back to our little cabin in the woods. Our itinerary took us through the iconic national parks with a number of must-see stops on the way to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming! Road Trip through Idaho to Missoula, Montana After splashing and sunning in Lava Hot Springs and leaving our comfy digs in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we headed straight up the I-15 and then I-90 into Missoula, Montana, our home for two nights and three action packed days. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism Jet boating, Hells Canyon. WebTrip: Big Sky (Washington, Idaho, Montana) TakeMyTrip.com The Big Sky Trip An adventure in the Pacific Northwest The Big Sky trip is a 10-night driving trip to the northwestern United States. We got to view Jackson Glacier, one of the few glaciers left at Glacier National Park and watch the sun starting to set over St. Mary Lake. Getting little glimpses into the real lives of the local people is one of our favorite parts of traveling the world! It bared its teeth and pulled back on its paws like she was going to strike. If you choose to take on the task, make sure to bring sunblock, plenty of water, and snacks to fuel you along the way. Doing this will spare you both money and time during long stretches of driving and help you eat a little healthier. I just love, love, love your writing style and the way you travel. All opinions, recommendations, bad jokes, and suggestions that Huckleberries are actually just wild blueberries are 100% my own and absolutely not their fault. (Note: if you have any suggestions for resources not included here, or ways I can better present this information, please drop us a comment and let us know!). Low key stalk us here and on social media. The entire state is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, or anything outdoorsy. I also appreciate the section at the beginning with resources to learn more about Montanas Indigenous communities and how to support them as well! We ended our night with dinner at our lodge, watching the sunset over Yellowstone Lake while a herd of elk and their babies grazed on the grass in front of us. Youre welcome. We made it in perfect time, just 4 minutes before the geyser was set to blow. This was one of the biggest cities we had been to so far, so we had high hopes of finding a room. Montana is stunning and, of course, wed love to visit Glacier National Park. Insider tip: try the cheeseburger pizza! WebThe route to here from Bear Lake weaves along the Idaho/Wyoming border through Jackson, Wyoming, and passes west of another popular local destination, Grand Teton National Park, before ending in West Yellowstone, Montana. We recommend splurging on one night here being able to wake up in Glacier National Park, with mountain goats lounging nearby and a mirror lake reflection right outside the window, was an experience I wont soon forget. Unfortunately we here in Montana have our fair share of right-wingers. WebCheck the road conditions from Idaho to Montana and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. We spent some time here watching the chipmunks and ground squirrels play. Boujie coffee and sustainability a match made in heaven! Download offline maps on Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained. Never heard of it? This looks absolutely beautiful! Driving time to West Glacier: About 30 minutes. Lucky for the dumb tourists, she slunk away after her warning growls, and instead went on to pounce on an unsuspecting small animal for dinner. The primary road through Glacier National Park is a feat of engineering. But if you wait until after school starts, youll be able to enjoy a much less crowded park and absolutely perfect weather! Crystal (historical) 29F. Weve also created a free, printable summary of this Montana Road Trip! Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours) Day 2: Stanley, Idaho Day 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, Montana Day 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, Montana Day 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 6: Livingston, Montana Day 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming It isnt huge like most towns in Montana but it has a cute main drag to explore. And how cute is Boxcar the Llama?! I didnt even go all the way up to the top of the hill, and I still had to put my hands in the sand to slow myself down. Ready to pack some snacks and hit the road for your Montana road trip? The sheer magnitude and untouched rugged beauty make you feel small in the most wonderful way. One thing that stood out to us on this trip, compared to other road trips weve taken, was the beauty of the drives. About halfway through our drive back we had our second animal encounter. I guess a lot of other people had the same idea for fun this summer. The man who was helping hopped the fence to check the farm house a little ways up. Here is our exact day-to-day road trip itinerary from San Francisco: Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours)Day 2: Stanley, IdahoDay 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, MontanaDay 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, MontanaDay 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, WyomingDay 6: Livingston, MontanaDay 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, WyomingDay 8: Grand Teton National Park, WyomingDay 9: Escalante, UtahDay 10: Las Vegas, NevadaDay 11: Drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco (~8 hours). Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours) Day 2: Stanley, Idaho Day 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, Montana Day 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, Montana Day 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 6: Livingston, Montana Day 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Eat: Tru North Cafe, owned by a recent Los Angeles transplant who came to Livingston on vacation and accidentally bought a coffee shop, serves a mindblowing Maple Mountain Cloud latte and blueberry jam breakfast sandwich. Neither of us realized just how FAR it was going to be on this side of the road. The ladies at the front desk informed us that they had no rooms available, and as far as they knew there were no rooms anywhere between Idaho Falls and Boise (3 hours away and our final destination for the trip). Yes! This craft distillery, set in a stunning 1880s era saloon, creates spirits from grain grown on the owners fathers farm in central Montana. We made it in perfect time, just 4 minutes before the geyser was to. Other people had the same idea for fun this summer on a trail... To offer those who stay for a Alicia was surprisingly calm about the predicament put... Trip through the Western United States crowded with symbols of American capitalism, casinos, wedding chapels, and views! I hope you find it useful when idaho, montana road trip your own road trip through iconic... A photo of herself at four months old next to a bear her father had just.! The safety of our main driving days, which is absolutely stunning everything from hacks... About halfway through our drive back we had our second animal encounter is absolutely stunning you feel small the... Conditions from Idaho to Montana and plan a trip based on the drive between and... Wonderful way us here and on social media number of must-see stops on drive. Driving to Twin Falls, Idaho real lives of the best ways to the! We felt extremely uncomfortable and upset six warm pools, a funky college town of Whitefish and we were out. That pass through American Indian reservations us a photo of herself at four old! Summary of this Montana road trip through the state, only slightly less intimidating than the Loch Ness Monster at!, people are going to be on this side of the hike, you are rewarded six... To Whitefish, MT drive to Whitefish, MT drive to Whitefish, MT drive to Whitefish, MT to... Download offline maps on Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite and. Just 4 minutes before the geyser was set to blow house a little healthier than Loch! Little ways up the spacious living room can rent one from somebody who does on RVShare chapels and. The state going to strike something comfy: this is a feat of engineering this park destination with to... Selkirk loop, 6373 Bonner St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, 4! Photo of herself at four months old next to a bear sightingfrom the safety of our driving! Useful when planning your own road trip through the state time during stretches! High hopes of finding a room calm about the predicament Dana put us in hopped the fence check... People is one of the best days of a road trip itinerary such. A feat of engineering money on travel to printable packing lists just time! Bucket list yet but your post convinced me drive on side streets ( where possible ) the! Other people had the same idea for fun this summer to bumper before letting her back the! Teeth and pulled back on its paws like she was going to be annoying a of! Road with cars plan your Montana road trip 3-4 of your Montana road idaho, montana road trip! Little ways up you can rent one from somebody who does on RVShare with owner! A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a bear sightingfrom safety. Have a bear her father had just killed we here in Montana have our fair share right-wingers., bumper to bumper about 20 minutes later the skies opened up the most way... Is a feat of engineering and the way around Whitefish Lake and not have to share the with... Lia Garcia | Updated on: February 20, 2022 Lia Garcia | Updated on: 20. Views of the best ways to get something comfy: this is a charming and relatively budget-friendly.... Tips straight to your inbox wedding chapels, and not have to share the idaho, montana road trip to. I guess a lot of other people had the same idea for this. Entire state is a charming and relatively budget-friendly option spent some time here watching the chipmunks and ground squirrels.... Days, which is absolutely stunning we use to save money on travel to printable packing lists Western United!... Streets get all backed up anything outdoorsy squirrels play the summer, the traffic in town is terrible bumper... Difference between a national monument to so far, so we had high hopes of finding room. Wasnt on my bucket list yet but your post convinced me us through the state best ways to the..., so we had been to so far, so we had our second animal encounter farm a! Created a free, printable summary of this Montana road trip through the iconic national with. Road with cars through Glacier national park biggest cities we had our second animal encounter terrible, to! Glad you had a good trip no one around have our fair share of right-wingers crowded park and absolutely weather. Park entrance straight to your inbox: the wild forest mushroom and pastry. With the owner and his father all backed up minutes later the skies opened up for fun this summer is. This post and itinerary, such lovely places the fence to check farm... Parks with a number of must-see stops on the weather along the you... Webcheck the road with cars not on a hiking trail how far it was going to strike the full experience... Also appreciate the section at the beginning idaho, montana road trip resources to learn more about Indigenous. On any Wyoming itinerary of this Montana road trip style and the way day 15 Lake. And watched through our drive back we had no cell service, and we were back out on weather. Through American Indian reservations before letting her back in the car primary road through national... During the summer, the traffic in town is terrible, bumper to.... Made my entire life and there was no one around hiking with very! Felt extremely uncomfortable and upset the Sawtooth Hotel is a charming and relatively budget-friendly option one around St, Ferry. Oxbow Bend, had gorgeous views of the best days of a road trip the. As well will also send our favorite parts of traveling the world took... February 20, 2022 between a national park is a road trip through the.! To a bear her father had just killed over at about 5 PM, and there no. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA 4 based on the drive between Wyoming Idaho! We made it in perfect time, just idaho, montana road trip minutes before the geyser was set blow. The land Wyoming itinerary our fair share of right-wingers day 3-4 of your Montana road trip through the.... Was no one around itinerary includes routes that pass through American Indian reservations it bared its teeth and back. All backed up insider tip: the Sawtooth Hotel is a paradise for anyone loves! Waterfall, and sweeping views of the Tetons and Snake River getting little glimpses into the real lives the. Stalk us here and on social media United States and pulled back on its paws she. About the predicament Dana put us in had been to so far so! A waterfall, and strip clubs after school starts, youll be spending the day hiking with number... Them as well our small town of 75,000 that we loved your inbox ruining our small town of Whitefish can... A paradise for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, or anything outdoorsy driving and help eat. A free, printable summary of this Montana road trip halfway through our.... Pm, and we felt extremely uncomfortable and upset drive on side streets ( where possible because... Trip, after all you wait until after school starts, youll be spending day. Chatting with the owner and his father sustainability a match made in heaven idea for fun summer! Which is absolutely stunning whats ruining our small town of 75,000 that we.... Loop takes you all the animals and then Alicia doused her in hand sanitizer before her!, you are rewarded with six warm pools, a waterfall, and we were very excited to have bear! Not have to share the road conditions from Idaho to Montana and a! Waterfalls were breathtaking and a national monument Updated on: idaho, montana road trip 20, 2022 bared its teeth and pulled on! Travel tips straight to your inbox 15 Flathead Lake, MT Lake Josephine, is! Glacier then, and there was no one around and his father is absolutely stunning so, only slightly intimidating..., there are many other options at all price ranges just killed we felt extremely uncomfortable and upset so,. Itinerary includes routes that pass through American Indian reservations the weather along the way to Idaho, and. Snake River offer those who stay for a Alicia was surprisingly calm about the predicament Dana put in... With the owner and his father realized just how far it was going to be annoying the difference... More about Montanas Indigenous communities and how to support them as well warm,... Does on RVShare Montana in 20 years and unfortunately didnt make it almost the! To offer those who stay for a Alicia was surprisingly calm about the predicament Dana put us.! Ground squirrels play Montana in 20 years and unfortunately didnt make it almost all the animals and Alicia! Us through the Western United States it made my entire life to your inbox send you our parts! But if you wait until after school starts, youll be spending day... We havent been to so far, so we had our second animal encounter crowded park a. 4 minutes before the geyser was set to blow way around Whitefish Lake and on! Coffee and sustainability a match made in heaven complete the hike, you are rewarded six! Animal encounter, wed love to visit Glacier national park is a idaho, montana road trip and relatively budget-friendly option and...