Week in Seattle area and week in Yellowstone area in Sept

[Parkinglotracer]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

[watchnerd]

A lot depends on what you want to do.

Are you hoping to do outdoor stuff like Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and some whale watching?

Or more urban things like the Space Needle and Boeing?

[Watty]

and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept.

The first thing to look into is where you will be dropping the rental car off at and flying out of after Yellowstone. Depending on where rental car companies want their cars located they could charge you a very high price for a one way rental to some place like Salt Lake City in September.

I tend to stop places along the way and see things and not rush myself so it would likely take me two days to drive from Seattle to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is not particularly close to Utah either so that will also add a lot of driving time and most of the Utah national parks are south of Salt Lake City. That would be close to a full days drive too.

There is plenty to do in the Pacific Northwest for two weeks and early September is usually a great time to be there. I would stay in the Pacific Northwest and save Yellowstone and Utah for a future vacation.

If you really want to do Yellowstone after Seattle it would likely make more sense to fly from Settle to a city near Yellowstone(Bozeman MT ??) and get a rental car there and fly home from there too.

[livesoft]

Flight from Seattle to Jackson, WY should not be expensive in September. Note that some of the concessions in Yellowstone may be closed in late September. We flew in/out of Jackson and got a rental car there.

[jayjayc]

Since you're going to Yellowstone, definitely visit Grand Teton National Park. It is spectacular. I personally found it much more beautiful than Yellowstone. Plus, it's only 15 minutes away.

[JAZZISCOOL]

Flight from Seattle to Jackson, WY should not be expensive in September. Note that some of the concessions in Yellowstone may be closed in late September. We flew in/out of Jackson and got a rental car there.

Cody, Wyoming is another option in addition to Jackson (depending on connections). You can also get snowstorms up there in mid-late September FYI. Drove through a huge snowstorm in a 4-wheel drive once which was a little hairy.

[Random Musings]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

If you know Sept is the time, I would spend two weeks in Yellowstone/Tetons and Utah. The crowds in Sept are a bit more bearable in YNP/GTNP than in the summer; although you may have to layer at times. I would think 5 days in Yellowstone and 2 in the Tetons as your hiking/walking mileage will limit opportunities in the Tetons. Unless you just want to hang out for a day in Jackson, WY.

Note that it is about a five hour drive from the Tetons to Salt Lake City . With the six days left for Utah, I would focus on Moab (Arches, Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands) and Goblin State Park and Capitol Reed NP. I would leave Zion/Bryce/Grand Canyon for another time. Always can spend a day in SLC as an option.

Save Seattle/Vancouver/Olympic NP/Mount Rainier for your next trip. The Yellowstone/Utah trip should be more physically demanding, and I would do that first.

RM

[emanuel_v19]

For a week in Seattle consider doing this.

Day 1 - Grab breakfast at Cloud City Cafe. Drive to Franklin Falls or Twin Falls. Or both. Easy hikes, take your time and enjoy the outdoors. On your way back, stop by Snoqualmie Falls. Once back in Seattle, head to Starbucks Reserve and get an alcohol beverage with coffee.

Day 2, 3, and maybe 4- Visit the Arboretum, Gas Works, Ballard locks, Golden Gardens Park, Green Lake and Discovery Park. A lot to see there. Walk around and absorb all the beauty.

Day 5 - Walk around Lake Union or bike, rent a kayak and do the UW Arboretum. Make sure to walk on Eastlake by the trail, it's pretty there. Have lunch on the Ship Canal Trail that runs parallel to Nickerson St(Fremont Cut). It should be warm and you can see all the boats passing by heading towards Lake Union or Ballad Locks. Grab food at Agua Verde Cafe.

Day 6 - Check out a sports game, tour the city and all the local attractions.

There is too much to see, too much to explore, and a lot do here!

[Parkinglotracer]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

If you know Sept is the time, I would spend two weeks in Yellowstone/Tetons and Utah. The crowds in Sept are a bit more bearable in YNP/GTNP than in the summer; although you may have to layer at times. I would think 5 days in Yellowstone and 2 in the Tetons as your hiking/walking mileage will limit opportunities in the Tetons. Unless you just want to hang out for a day in Jackson, WY.

Note that it is about a five hour drive from the Tetons to Salt Lake City . With the six days left for Utah, I would focus on Moab (Arches, Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands) and Goblin State Park and Capitol Reed NP. I would leave Zion/Bryce/Grand Canyon for another time. Always can spend a day in SLC as an option.

Save Seattle/Vancouver/Olympic NP/Mount Rainier for your next trip. The Yellowstone/Utah trip should be more physically demanding, and I would do that first.

RM

Great idea. Let me bring it up to the executive committee and see what she thinks.

[Parkinglotracer]

A lot depends on what you want to do.

Are you hoping to do outdoor stuff like Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and some whale watching?

Or more urban things like the Space Needle and Boeing?

Good point - trying to narrow that down. Maybe a little of both - we are not ones to backpack in the wilderness. We have walked 5 miles once. I think we would like the space needle and Boeing for sure.

[Parkinglotracer]

and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept.

The first thing to look into is where you will be dropping the rental car off at and flying out of after Yellowstone. Depending on where rental car companies want their cars located they could charge you a very high price for a one way rental to some place like Salt Lake City in September.

I tend to stop places along the way and see things and not rush myself so it would likely take me two days to drive from Seattle to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is not particularly close to Utah either so that will also add a lot of driving time and most of the Utah national parks are south of Salt Lake City. That would be close to a full days drive too.

There is plenty to do in the Pacific Northwest for two weeks and early September is usually a great time to be there. I would stay in the Pacific Northwest and save Yellowstone and Utah for a future vacation.

If you really want to do Yellowstone after Seattle it would likely make more sense to fly from Settle to a city near Yellowstone(Bozeman MT ??) and get a rental car there and fly home from there too.

Yes we need to make a decision on the scope of this trip. I looked at rental cars and the price went up more than I thought with one way trip from Seattle to Sakt Lake city. Back to executive committee. Thank you.

[Parkinglotracer]

Flight from Seattle to Jackson, WY should not be expensive in September. Note that some of the concessions in Yellowstone may be closed in late September. We flew in/out of Jackson and got a rental car there.

Thank you. I think we will focus on first half of September. Let me check some air fares. Thank you.

[Parkinglotracer]

Since you're going to Yellowstone, definitely visit Grand Teton National Park. It is spectacular. I personally found it much more beautiful than Yellowstone. Plus, it's only 15 minutes away.

Thank you - we will make sure that is included!

[Parkinglotracer]

Flight from Seattle to Jackson, WY should not be expensive in September. Note that some of the concessions in Yellowstone may be closed in late September. We flew in/out of Jackson and got a rental car there.

Cody, Wyoming is another option in addition to Jackson (depending on connections). You can also get snowstorms up there in mid-late September FYI. Drove through a huge snowstorm in a 4-wheel drive once which was a little hairy.

I forget how the weather can change on a dime. Went to school in Colorado at 7200’ and I remember freak storms. Thank you.

[Parkinglotracer]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

If you know Sept is the time, I would spend two weeks in Yellowstone/Tetons and Utah. The crowds in Sept are a bit more bearable in YNP/GTNP than in the summer; although you may have to layer at times. I would think 5 days in Yellowstone and 2 in the Tetons as your hiking/walking mileage will limit opportunities in the Tetons. Unless you just want to hang out for a day in Jackson, WY.

Note that it is about a five hour drive from the Tetons to Salt Lake City . With the six days left for Utah, I would focus on Moab (Arches, Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands) and Goblin State Park and Capitol Reed NP. I would leave Zion/Bryce/Grand Canyon for another time. Always can spend a day in SLC as an option.

Save Seattle/Vancouver/Olympic NP/Mount Rainier for your next trip. The Yellowstone/Utah trip should be more physically demanding, and I would do that first.

RM

Makes sense. Will check out Moab places you mention. We have seen Grand Canyon. Used to travel to Hill AFB and were amazed by the Mormon auditorium in Salt Lake City. We walked in went up an elevator and ended up on quite the tour after our eventual tour guide said what are you doing here you are nor supposed to be up on this floor unescorted. Paintings of all the church leaders from floor to ceiling. Building was designed by German engineering firm - huge. As the news has recently shown there is a lot of money in the LDS church just like the Vatican.

[Parkinglotracer]

For a week in Seattle consider doing this.

Day 1 - Grab breakfast at Cloud City Cafe. Drive to Franklin Falls or Twin Falls. Or both. Easy hikes, take your time and enjoy the outdoors. On your way back, stop by Snoqualmie Falls. Once back in Seattle, head to Starbucks Reserve and get an alcohol beverage with coffee.

Day 2, 3, and maybe 4- Visit the Arboretum, Gas Works, Ballard locks, Golden Gardens Park, Green Lake and Discovery Park. A lot to see there. Walk around and absorb all the beauty.

Day 5 - Walk around Lake Union or bike, rent a kayak and do the UW Arboretum. Make sure to walk on Eastlake by the trail, it's pretty there. Have lunch on the Ship Canal Trail that runs parallel to Nickerson St(Fremont Cut). It should be warm and you can see all the boats passing by heading towards Lake Union or Ballad Locks. Grab food at Agua Verde Cafe.

Day 6 - Check out a sports game, tour the city and all the local attractions.

There is too much to see, too much to explore, and a lot do here!

This sounds perfect - thank you for your recommendations.

[Watty]

Yes we need to make a decision on the scope of this trip. I looked at rental cars and the price went up more than I thought with one way trip from Seattle to Sakt Lake city. Back to executive committee. Thank you.

If your plans are flexible then also check on the rental car prices going the other way, from Salt Lake City to Seattle. One direction can cost a lot less than the other way.

Also look at non-airport rental pickups since that can save a lot of fees and taxes that only apply to airport rentals. I have done things like pick up a one day rental at an airport that I drop off the next day at a suburban location for a 14 day rental which saved be a couple of hundred dollars in fees.

Rentals that are exactly a multiple 7 days will get the weekly rate so try to avoid things like a 13 day rental where you would have to pay the higher daily rate for the last 6 days.

[JAZZISCOOL]

Flight from Seattle to Jackson, WY should not be expensive in September. Note that some of the concessions in Yellowstone may be closed in late September. We flew in/out of Jackson and got a rental car there.

Cody, Wyoming is another option in addition to Jackson (depending on connections). You can also get snowstorms up there in mid-late September FYI. Drove through a huge snowstorm in a 4-wheel drive once which was a little hairy.

I forget how the weather can change on a dime. Went to school in Colorado at 7200’ and I remember freak storms. Thank you.

[nicktenny]

You mention you like planes. The Museum of Flight just south of Seattle is excellent.

[intendi]

If doing a dedicated Seattle trip: Sea plane (Kenmore Air) --> San Juan Islands.

[barnaclebob]

A lot depends on what you want to do.

Are you hoping to do outdoor stuff like Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and some whale watching?

Or more urban things like the Space Needle and Boeing?

Good point - trying to narrow that down. Maybe a little of both - we are not ones to backpack in the wilderness. We have walked 5 miles once. I think we would like the space needle and Boeing for sure.

The Boeing tour is essentially closed, it doesn't go to the factory but the little museum is still open. Its currently not worth the time. Much better to visit the museum of flight right now.

Mid sept is during the coho run so if you want to catch a salmon there are several fishing guides on the sound. Its a bit pricey probably in the $250 per person + 15-20% tip range.

[Random Musings]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

If you know Sept is the time, I would spend two weeks in Yellowstone/Tetons and Utah. The crowds in Sept are a bit more bearable in YNP/GTNP than in the summer; although you may have to layer at times. I would think 5 days in Yellowstone and 2 in the Tetons as your hiking/walking mileage will limit opportunities in the Tetons. Unless you just want to hang out for a day in Jackson, WY.

Note that it is about a five hour drive from the Tetons to Salt Lake City . With the six days left for Utah, I would focus on Moab (Arches, Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands) and Goblin State Park and Capitol Reed NP. I would leave Zion/Bryce/Grand Canyon for another time. Always can spend a day in SLC as an option.

Save Seattle/Vancouver/Olympic NP/Mount Rainier for your next trip. The Yellowstone/Utah trip should be more physically demanding, and I would do that first.

RM

Makes sense. Will check out Moab places you mention. We have seen Grand Canyon. Used to travel to Hill AFB and were amazed by the Mormon auditorium in Salt Lake City. We walked in went up an elevator and ended up on quite the tour after our eventual tour guide said what are you doing here you are nor supposed to be up on this floor unescorted. Paintings of all the church leaders from floor to ceiling. Building was designed by German engineering firm - huge. As the news has recently shown there is a lot of money in the LDS church just like the Vatican.

With respect to Arches (this has been discussed many times), please look at the NPS site to see the facts about timed entry and how to reserve for that. For the entire month of Sept, June 1 is the starting date to book for a timed entry. However, one way to avoid that is to enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. Earlier and later in the day at Arches also provides excellent photo opportunities. You will need to hike to get to many of the popular arches, but there is very little vertical - the Delicate Arch may not be in your comfort zone as there is some uphill, but it is an iconic site. There is a viewpoint trail if you want a distance shot, bring binoculars. The Devil's Garden trail is easy until you get to Landscape Arch, so you could turn back there. To get a good taste of various arches and be among them will require 3-5 miles, depending on how many you want to see up close.


RM

[Parkinglotracer]

After making sure flights and rental car were affordable to do this (they are) we booked flights and car … We fly into Seattle, Leave out of Salt Lake City 16 days later. Flights were 85000 miles on Delta, Rental car is $700 plus 20 cents a mile on Avis. Now we can figure out details in between.

[Parkinglotracer]

You mention you like planes. The Museum of Flight just south of Seattle is excellent.

Thank you - i will check it out.

[Parkinglotracer]

If doing a dedicated Seattle trip: Sea plane (Kenmore Air) --> San Juan Islands.

Sounds nice - i will check it out. Never been in a sea plane. Cool.

[Parkinglotracer]

Wife and I are planning a driving vacation flying into seattle and then driving to Yellowstone / Utah area for a week in each area early this Sept. we don’t have hotel reservations but looking on line today we should be able to find some places to stay if we pay a bit more than we’d like to pay. We don’t plan ahead as we should for vacations other than buying low cost mutual funds for last 40 years. Lol.

We are a retired military couple, age 62, good health, like to tour city / harbor, eat local food, like planes, walk / hike 2 or 3 miles a day, see wild life, mountains, be tourists (bus tours Ok). We are middle of the road spenders but splurge on occasion.

Idea for places to see? Best place for rental car these days (Seattle airport)? We would rather go to someplace unique than the tourist locales although we don’t want to miss the obvious places.

Thank you for your help.

If you know Sept is the time, I would spend two weeks in Yellowstone/Tetons and Utah. The crowds in Sept are a bit more bearable in YNP/GTNP than in the summer; although you may have to layer at times. I would think 5 days in Yellowstone and 2 in the Tetons as your hiking/walking mileage will limit opportunities in the Tetons. Unless you just want to hang out for a day in Jackson, WY.

Note that it is about a five hour drive from the Tetons to Salt Lake City . With the six days left for Utah, I would focus on Moab (Arches, Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands) and Goblin State Park and Capitol Reed NP. I would leave Zion/Bryce/Grand Canyon for another time. Always can spend a day in SLC as an option.

Save Seattle/Vancouver/Olympic NP/Mount Rainier for your next trip. The Yellowstone/Utah trip should be more physically demanding, and I would do that first.

RM

Makes sense. Will check out Moab places you mention. We have seen Grand Canyon. Used to travel to Hill AFB and were amazed by the Mormon auditorium in Salt Lake City. We walked in went up an elevator and ended up on quite the tour after our eventual tour guide said what are you doing here you are nor supposed to be up on this floor unescorted. Paintings of all the church leaders from floor to ceiling. Building was designed by German engineering firm - huge. As the news has recently shown there is a lot of money in the LDS church just like the Vatican.

With respect to Arches (this has been discussed many times), please look at the NPS site to see the facts about timed entry and how to reserve for that. For the entire month of Sept, June 1 is the starting date to book for a timed entry. However, one way to avoid that is to enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. Earlier and later in the day at Arches also provides excellent photo opportunities. You will need to hike to get to many of the popular arches, but there is very little vertical - the Delicate Arch may not be in your comfort zone as there is some uphill, but it is an iconic site. There is a viewpoint trail if you want a distance shot, bring binoculars. The Devil's Garden trail is easy until you get to Landscape Arch, so you could turn back there. To get a good taste of various arches and be among them will require 3-5 miles, depending on how many you want to see up close.


RM

I don’t think we will have time to include arches but maybe if we end up spending less time in Seattle and Yellowstone than we think. Thank you and we will consider all you have mentioned if we do. We have done 5 miles … once it twice. Lol.

[Bmac]

For a week in Seattle consider doing this.

Day 1 - Grab breakfast at Cloud City Cafe. Drive to Franklin Falls or Twin Falls. Or both. Easy hikes, take your time and enjoy the outdoors. On your way back, stop by Snoqualmie Falls. Once back in Seattle, head to Starbucks Reserve and get an alcohol beverage with coffee.

Day 2, 3, and maybe 4- Visit the Arboretum, Gas Works, Ballard locks, Golden Gardens Park, Green Lake and Discovery Park. A lot to see there. Walk around and absorb all the beauty.

Day 5 - Walk around Lake Union or bike, rent a kayak and do the UW Arboretum. Make sure to walk on Eastlake by the trail, it's pretty there. Have lunch on the Ship Canal Trail that runs parallel to Nickerson St(Fremont Cut). It should be warm and you can see all the boats passing by heading towards Lake Union or Ballad Locks. Grab food at Agua Verde Cafe.

Day 6 - Check out a sports game, tour the city and all the local attractions.

There is too much to see, too much to explore, and a lot do here!

This sounds perfect - thank you for your recommendations.

These are all great recommendations. Especially the Ballard Locks. Very unique and interesting. Another terrific activity that can be done from downtown and avoids driving is to walk on the Bainbridge Island ferry and spend half a day wandering the town of Winslow. Terrific views of Puget Sound on a sunny day and Winslow has many nice shops and restaurants.

[bigskyguy]

Two suggestions regarding Yellowstone:

Chico Hot Springs: in the Paradise Valley midway between the Gardner/Mammoth Hot Springs North Entrance to Yellowstone and I-90 (highway from Montana to Seattle). Look it up online - one of the must go places if you want to know what Montana is about. Natural hot springs (olympic size pool) drained and filled continuously, with a classic restaurant featuring Montana game, fish and beef. A place to stay either coming to or going from the park.

Beartooth Highway: the northeast exit from Yellowstone, takes you to I-90 further east. One of the highest drivable passes (10,947 feet) in North America, open mid-May thru mid-October. Incredible views, especially of the Beartooth Plateau, one of the largest granite faces in the world. Charles Kuralt once called it "the most beautiful drive in America." I agree.

Neither of these is common knowledge for those who don't live in "the Last Best Place." We are the lucky ones.

[NulledVariable]

Washington has three National Parks - were you considering spending time between any of those, or just in the city? Seattle is great, but the real beauty is being able to drive in any direction and be immediately engulfed in natural splendor.

[Parkinglotracer]

Delete

[Parkinglotracer]

Two suggestions regarding Yellowstone:

Chico Hot Springs: in the Paradise Valley midway between the Gardner/Mammoth Hot Springs North Entrance to Yellowstone and I-90 (highway from Montana to Seattle). Look it up online - one of the must go places if you want to know what Montana is about. Natural hot springs (olympic size pool) drained and filled continuously, with a classic restaurant featuring Montana game, fish and beef. A place to stay either coming to or going from the park.

Beartooth Highway: the northeast exit from Yellowstone, takes you to I-90 further east. One of the highest drivable passes (10,947 feet) in North America, open mid-May thru mid-October. Incredible views, especially of the Beartooth Plateau, one of the largest granite faces in the world. Charles Kuralt once called it "the most beautiful drive in America." I agree.

Neither of these is common knowledge for those who don't live in "the Last Best Place." We are the lucky ones.

Thank you

Hopefully if you ever get to the finger lakes area area of central New York or the beach near rehoboth beach Delaware or the gulf coast of Tampa bay area we can return the favor and clue you into our favorite places. These two places you mention sound wonderful.

[Parkinglotracer]

Washington has three National Parks - were you considering spending time between any of those, or just in the city? Seattle is great, but the real beauty is being able to drive in any direction and be immediately engulfed in natural splendor.

We don’t know what we are missing - we have a week to see whatever we can starting in Seattle before driving to Yellowstone - any thoughts on which of the three parks or area to visit would be best? Thank you

[bigskyguy]

Two suggestions regarding Yellowstone:

Chico Hot Springs: in the Paradise Valley midway between the Gardner/Mammoth Hot Springs North Entrance to Yellowstone and I-90 (highway from Montana to Seattle). Look it up online - one of the must go places if you want to know what Montana is about. Natural hot springs (olympic size pool) drained and filled continuously, with a classic restaurant featuring Montana game, fish and beef. A place to stay either coming to or going from the park.

Beartooth Highway: the northeast exit from Yellowstone, takes you to I-90 further east. One of the highest drivable passes (10,947 feet) in North America, open mid-May thru mid-October. Incredible views, especially of the Beartooth Plateau, one of the largest granite faces in the world. Charles Kuralt once called it "the most beautiful drive in America." I agree.

Neither of these is common knowledge for those who don't live in "the Last Best Place." We are the lucky ones.

In the park, be certain to go to the Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lamar Valley (epicenter of the Yellowstone Wolf Pack). They are all on then norther part of the park, and within easy driving distance of one another. Nothing else in North America comes close to what you will see there.

[LeftCoastIV]

Depending on what route you take from Seattle to Yellowstone:

Mt. Rainer National Park. Research ahead of time where to stay and if reservations are needed for the park.

Glacier National Park in Montana. Plenty of hiking. No real city. A bit out of the way for a direct route to Yellowstone.

Sun Valley / Ketchum, Idaho. Small town. Good vibe. Hiking, etc.

Bend, Oregon. Fun, small town. Plenty of hiking, and a nice riverfront.

If you want to "splurge", take a seaplane up to Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor on San Juan island in Washington State for a few days.

If you have passports, and want to go further out of the way, Vancouver is a fun town in British Columbia that checks many of your boxes.

[Parkinglotracer]

Two suggestions regarding Yellowstone:

Chico Hot Springs: in the Paradise Valley midway between the Gardner/Mammoth Hot Springs North Entrance to Yellowstone and I-90 (highway from Montana to Seattle). Look it up online - one of the must go places if you want to know what Montana is about. Natural hot springs (olympic size pool) drained and filled continuously, with a classic restaurant featuring Montana game, fish and beef. A place to stay either coming to or going from the park.

Beartooth Highway: the northeast exit from Yellowstone, takes you to I-90 further east. One of the highest drivable passes (10,947 feet) in North America, open mid-May thru mid-October. Incredible views, especially of the Beartooth Plateau, one of the largest granite faces in the world. Charles Kuralt once called it "the most beautiful drive in America." I agree.

Neither of these is common knowledge for those who don't live in "the Last Best Place." We are the lucky ones.

In the park, be certain to go to the Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lamar Valley (epicenter of the Yellowstone Wolf Pack). They are all on then norther part of the park, and within easy driving distance of one another. Nothing else in North America comes close to what you will see there.

Thank you - we will do this.

[Parkinglotracer]

Depending on what route you take from Seattle to Yellowstone:

Mt. Rainer National Park. Research ahead of time where to stay and if reservations are needed for the park.

Glacier National Park in Montana. Plenty of hiking. No real city. A bit out of the way for a direct route to Yellowstone.

Sun Valley / Ketchum, Idaho. Small town. Good vibe. Hiking, etc.

Bend, Oregon. Fun, small town. Plenty of hiking, and a nice riverfront.

If you want to "splurge", take a seaplane up to Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor on San Juan island in Washington State for a few days.

If you have passports, and want to go further out of the way, Vancouver is a fun town in British Columbia that checks many of your boxes.

Super ideas. Let me see what we can build into the trip. We had discussed the ferry to Vancouver.

[Watty]

Rental car is $700 plus 20 cents a mile on Avis.

Assuming that you have not prepaid for that then keep checking for rental car deals since they can vary a lot depending on when you book the car rental. The mileage charge could work out OK but I don't see those very often.

[Wenonah]

If you are in Seattle you should take a ferry! Anywhere! I second the Museum of Flight.

[Parkinglotracer]

If you are in Seattle you should take a ferry! Anywhere! I second the Museum of Flight.

Thank you

[Parkinglotracer]

Rental car is $700 plus 20 cents a mile on Avis.

Assuming that you have not prepaid for that then keep checking for rental car deals since they can vary a lot depending on when you book the car rental. The mileage charge could work out OK but I don't see those very often.

Good idea.