Road Trip From Seattle To Glacier National Park
Although Seattle is the closest significant city, it’s a breeze to drive to Glacier National Park, one of the most breathtaking sites in America for nature exploration.
It will take around 10 hours to drive the 550 miles along I-90 via Washington and Idaho from Seattle to Glacier National Park in Montana. For more magnificent wilderness, visit the Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests or Snoqualmie Falls.
Please keep reading for our best advice on where to stop, what to see and do, and how to travel to Glacier National Park.
How long will it take to drive from Seattle to Glacier National Park?
It will take about ten hours to go the nearly 550 miles (885 kilometers) from Seattle to Glacier National Park when taking a lovely vehicle trip.
Traveling east through some of the wildest regions of America may seem like a long distance, but the stunning landscape along the way will make the trip seem effortless.
Allow yourself one to two hours extra time to account for traffic leaving Seattle and unexpected weather delays.
Even though you might want to move as quickly as possible to reach this serene location, remember there are some beautiful places to stop along the road, so take your time and enjoy it.
Going on a road trip is the best thing. The experience covers the journey!
The best road trip route from Seattle to Glacier National Park
It also happens that the 550-mile stunning route is the quickest route from Seattle to Glacier National Park. It travels throughout Washington, through the Spokane Valley, many lakes, and waterfalls.
In addition, you might drive 3 kilometers (not too far) to explore the Kaniksu National Forest, which is essentially a prelude to Glacier National Park.
You won’t have too many issues with your travel arrangements because this small detour will just take you about 13 minutes longer.
Glacier National Park offers automobile reservations from May 26 to September 10 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please check online to see whether you need to make a reservation before visiting.
Road trip route from Seattle to Glacier National Park
Drive the I-90 east from Seattle. There is little need for advice as I-90 takes you straight to your destination.
Along the route, you can stop at Moses Lake, surrounded by the smaller parks of Blue Heron, Cascade, and Hayden.
If you have children, we would suggest taking this detour to Surf N’ Slide Waterpark is also close.
Back to your vehicle and proceed on I-90 via Sprague, Spokane, and Spokane Valley. At this point, you can continue north until you reach Kaniksu National Forest.
Otherwise, the I-90 will take you through forested areas up to Flathead Lake and, at some point, West Glacier, where you would park your car and enter Glacier National Park.
Best places between Seattle and Glacier National Park
You will want to take breaks to enjoy the beautiful trip from Seattle to Glacier National Park because there are so many things to see and do. Our top picks for accommodations are listed below, each with an event to discover.
Pit stop in Spokane, Washington
If you don’t want to drive all the way, we suggest taking a stop in Spokane and stay at the Oxford Suites downtown for the night. Riverside State Park and Spokane Valley are also close to the hotel.
With proximity to business centers and Riverfront Park, our Spokane Riverside location puts you right in the middle of the action.
The roomy apartments are equipped with everything you need to create the ideal mobile home. Since dogs enjoy the beautiful hike just as much as you do, national parks are excellent places to take your pet.
Enjoy a stay at the pet-friendly and kid-free Oxford Suites in Downtown Spokane! The next leg of your journey will go more smoothly if you get a good night’s sleep in a cool room. Here we go!
Relax in the beauty of Flathead Lake
You will eventually arrive at Flathead Lake as you continue down I-90. Right on Kalispell Bay, next to the gorgeous lake, is the lovely and rustic Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn & Suites, which is where we love to stay.
This tiny hotel is located 45 minutes from the magnificent Glacier National Park and 30 minutes from the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, so there is always something to do in the area, irrespective of the season.
Before starting your activities, we recommend refueling with the hotel’s wonderful cooked breakfast. When you get back, you can take a soak in the magnificent 24-hour pool.
Columbia Falls, near your destination
Who has the energy to go on an all-day expedition as soon as they arrive at Glacier National Park? That is why we have you covered and provide a place to rest right before your final destination.
North Forty Resort is located in Columbia Falls and offers individual cabins. The rooms are far from simple, and they include everything you need, such as free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, a sauna, and all of the modern creature amenities we’ve come to expect.
Glacier National Park is only around a 20-minute drive away. There is also a water park around 6 miles away for the kids to enjoy. You will have a wonderful night’s sleep in the comfy accommodations to prepare for the big day!
Places to See on a Road Trip from Seattle to Glacier National Park
The undeniable benefit of taking a road trip over a monotonous aircraft journey is the opportunity to view all of the scenery along the way. While the trip from Seattle to Glacier National Park takes approximately 10 hours, there is enough to see and do.
We won’t dive into everything, but we’ve highlighted all the must-see options on the list. You can either take a break and check out some of the spots along the way or just keep driving straight through.
1-Mount Rainier- If you’re starting your journey just outside Seattle, a quick detour to the south will lead you to one of the most famous mountains on the US West Coast.
2-Snoqualmie Falls –is definitely a must-see! That 268-foot waterfall is just breathtaking. If you chat with someone from Washington State about their favorite scenic spots, you can bet Snoqualmie Falls will be on their list for sure. In addition to the falls, there’s a nice 2-acre park where you can take a stroll and enjoy some fresh air. If you’re thinking about staying the night, we recommend Salish Lodge.
3-The Wild Horses Monument- The monument depicts a herd of wild horses running wild, indicating what it means to be free. David Govedare, a Chewelah sculptor, created these stunning sculptures as his artistic expression. They are meant to be admired from a distance and provide an ideal backdrop for the Gramme.
4-Downtown Spokane -If you miss the big city or need to pick up supplies, Downtown Spokane, also known as Riverside, is a must-see. It has a relaxed atmosphere it, with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. You can take some time to reconnect with the world and find a reliable Wi-Fi connection to upload the numerous photos you have surely taken.
5-Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests –We understand you’re about to visit a national park, but we need more of nature – at least in our opinion. So, why visit the Kaniksu and Kootenai National Forests in Montana? It has stunning landscapes of mountains and rivers that appear to be from a painting rather than real life.
Best time to plan a road trip from Seattle to Glacier National Park
The ideal time depends on your preferences. Summer is the natural choice, as the weather is ideal, and trekking paths in Glacier National Park are easily accessible.
You’ll realize that this time of year gets pretty hectic with everyone making the most of the nice weather and summer breaks to hit the road from Seattle.
Fall is such a great time to hit the road – the National Park looks amazing with all the leaves changing to red and gold, and the whole route plus the national forests you pass will give you tons of chances to soak up this awesome season.
Spring is wonderful because the park’s life awakened from the winter and the streams run full, but the weather can still be very cold in March and April, so May is the best month.
Unlike other renowned sites such as Yellowstone, Glacier National Park remains open throughout the winter. You must ensure that your vehicle is capable of handling the ice and snowy conditions, and keep in mind that some areas of the park, including some trails, will be closed.
Logan Pass and Going-to-the-Sun Road will be inaccessible, but you can still drive into the park to Lake McDonald and explore the winter wilderness.
Whatever season you choose to visit the park, make sure you are prepared for the weather and bring essentials for the road such as a snack, water bottle, and additional clothing. It can get cold almost all year, so be prepared!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop between Seattle and Glacier National Park?
1. **Leavenworth, WA** – A beautiful Bavarian village in the Waterfalls, ideal for sightseeing and a meal.
2. **Coeur d’Alene, ID** – A scenic lake town with hiking and water-based activities, perfect for a refreshing vacation.
How far is it from Seattle to Glacier National Park?
The drive from Seattle to Glacier National Park is approximately 500 miles. Depending on your route and stops, it typically takes 8 to 10 hours.
Is it worth driving to Glacier National Park?
Yes, driving to Glacier National Park is worth it for the stunning scenery. The park itself offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
How many days do you need to visit Glacier National Park?
You’ll need about 3 to 5 days to explore Glacier National Park, allowing time for major hikes, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. More time is ideal if you want to visit remote areas.
What is the best month to visit Glacier National Park?
The best months to visit Glacier National Park are July and August when all roads and trails are open. The weather is warm, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
For more details kindly visit http://npca.org
