Portland to Mt Rushmore National Memorial Road Trip Guide

150 miles from the American Computer and Robotics Museum is Pictograph Cave State Park. This public recreational center was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964. An area rich in archaeology, over 100 pictographs have been found on the premises, many of which are believed to trace their roots to over 2,000 years ago.

Though little debate exists about the age of pictographs, experts do not agree on what the pictures mean. Each of them features animals, warriors, and rifles, but the full meaning of the story is not entirely clear.

This public park consists of three main caves known as Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost. All of these spots were important dwellings for hunters in ancient times. The caves were formed from the sandstone cliffs as a result of wind and water erosion. It was in 1936 that explorers first stumbled upon the pictographs found within the caves.

Pictograph Cave State Park is home to over 30,000 unique artifacts; some of which include tools, weapons, paintings, and instruments used to craft these materials.

Viewing the entire property means hiking an easy loop trail that is 1/4 mile in total length. The entire size of the park is 23 acres. It rises 3,500 feet in elevation, making areas of the grounds challenging to traverse unless in very good physical condition.

After a vigorous hike through the grounds at Pictograph Cave State Park, it might be a good idea to park the RV for an overnight stay in Billings. Among the best campgrounds for RV camping are Billings KOA Holiday and Yellowstone River Campground.

Break up your first day with an overnight in Spokane, Washington's second-largest city. Riverfront Park showcases the Spokane Falls and offers easy walking paths perfect for stretching your legs after 5 hours of driving. The Spokane KOA provides full hookups with a heated pool and mountain views, while the North Spokane RV Campground sits conveniently near shopping and dining. For a more rustic experience, check out Fort Spokane Campground on Lake Roosevelt, offering waterfront sites and historical exploration.

Just 87.7 miles away is another interesting spot for families looking to enjoy a little adventure. The American Computer and Robotics Museum was built in 1990 by Mr. George Kereemedjiev, a gentleman with a vision for collecting and displaying rare artifacts that tell the history of technology.

The exhibits found in the museum encompass over 4,000 years of history in the information technology sphere. It begins with the Sumerian's development of cuneiform tablets and reaches to the manufacturing of the first personal computer. Other important topics addresses at the museum include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, the Enigma Code, and much, much more.

The American Computer and Robotics Museum is the most popular place to visit in Bozeman.

With a head full of fun facts, it might be a good idea to enjoy a little R&R before hitting the road on the next leg of the journey towards Mt Rushmore National Memorial. Consider an RV stay at Bear Canyon Campground or Bozeman Hot Springs Campground.

For a truly unique experience on an RV road trip from Portland to Mt Rushmore National Memorial, it is worth the 160-mile drive to get to the World Museum of Mining. This popular attraction takes as its primary mission the preservation of the historical significance of the mining industry in the region.

The museum was first opened to the public in 1963. At the time, no one could have foreseen that the mining days in Butte were numbered with all of the operational mines completely closed twenty years later.

Butte was a hard-rock mining town for a period of one hundred years. During this time, it earned the distinction of being one of the most successful and fertile copper mines in the history of the industry.

The World Museum of Mining rests on the same grounds as one of its formerly operational mines: Orphan Girl Mine. The property consists of 50 buildings filled with exhibits as well as numerous artifacts for families to enjoy.

Tours of the abandoned mine are available where families can capture a glimpse of what life was like for those who risked their lives in the mines every day.

Thinking an overnight stay might be in order? Why not park the RV at Beaverdam Campground and Picnic Area for the night?

For those that enjoy the opportunity to do some fishing, the 240 miles en route to Montana's Bitterroot River will just fly by. A stream of medium length, the Bitterroot River is the combination of the East Fork Bitterroot and the West Fork Bitterroot Rivers which both find their source in Connor, Montana.

The property that houses the Bitterroot River is incredibly beautiful. The river's trajectory passes through two immense mountain ranges; the Sapphire Mountains and the Bitterroot Mountains.

Bell Crossing offers the ideal spot for families to do some fishing. Located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, this area enjoys relatively moderate weather conditions year-round though it can get quite chilly during the winter.

Fly fishing is the name of the game at Bitterroot River. It is a prime location for catching many different varieties of trout.

After a day out on the water at Bitterroot River, an overnight stay is the perfect ending to the perfect day. Consider parking the RV at Chief Looking Glass Campground or Missoula KOA Holiday.

A drive of 228 miles from Portland takes RV campers to McNary National Wildlife Refuge. Located along the Columbia River's eastern shores where the Snake River meets the Walla Walla, this recreational area is a haven of unique plant and animal life for families to explore.
The property is home to an extremely diverse set of ecosystems to support a wide range of animals and vegetation on the grounds. Among the most interesting topographical features are refuge bays and shorelines which form the ideal breeding grounds for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sockeye.
The refuge is also home to many different species of migratory birds including the Pacific Flyway mallards as well as many other shorebirds and wading birds.
Many endangered species are also spotted at McNary National Wildlife Refuge. During a visit, families may be treated to such rare sights as bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

The refuge consists of over 700 acres of property in total. Much of the food required to feed the wildlife on the grounds is grown directly on the land. Some of the most popular crops include corn, wheat, and alfalfa.
After a day exploring the beauty of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge, a good night's rest just might be in order. Consider an RV stay at Pasco/Tri-Cities KOA.

Nestled within the heart of the popular Washington Park is the stunning Portland Japanese Garden. Incredibly beautiful and with a unique air of tranquility, this popular outdoor haven is the perfect place to enjoy some R&R before heading out on a seven day RV adventure.

The Portland Japanese Garden earns high marks when it comes to the authenticity of its carefully crafted landscape. It has earned the distinction of being named one of the most accurate reflections of traditional Japanese gardening styles found outside Japan itself. The gardens cover five and a half acres of property in total. Also found on the premises are a Japanese tea house, gently rolling streams, and a vast abundance of scenic walkways to enjoy. A stunning view of Mount Hood can be seen when meandering through the grounds.

This popular Japanese-style garden was developed in 1963. Its primary purpose was to promote healing between the factions involved in World War II. Its design includes five different sections, each with their own unique style to represent the importance of focusing on commonalities to achieve peace.

Guides tours of the premises are available, and public events take place on the grounds frequently throughout the year.

For more information about tour schedules, hours of operation, and any associated fees, consult the garden's website.

Located 30 minutes south of Rapid City, Custer State Park deserves a full day of exploration before heading to Mount Rushmore. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road guarantees sightings of the park's 1,300 bison, along with pronghorn antelope, burros, and possibly elk. The Needles Highway (SD-87) showcases incredible granite spires and narrow tunnels—skip this route if you're driving anything over 25 feet or towing a trailer, and take the alternate Iron Mountain Road instead. The park is particularly stunning in late September through early October for fall colors.

Start your adventure with a bang at the Columbia River Gorge, just 30 minutes east of Portland. This 80-mile canyon, carved by the Columbia River, showcases towering waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls (620 feet). The Historic Columbia River Highway offers pull-offs perfect for RV travelers, though larger rigs should stick to I-84 and visit waterfalls via designated parking areas. Summer brings wildflowers and warm weather, while fall delivers stunning foliage. Stop at Crown Point Vista House for panoramic views before continuing east.

Bozeman serves as your gateway to Yellowstone country, located just 90 minutes from the park's north entrance. This mountain town blends outdoor culture with excellent dining and Montana State University's vibrant energy. The Bear Canyon Campground offers a heated pool and full hookups just east of town, while Sunrise Campground provides convenient downtown access with big rig-friendly sites. For those heading to Yellowstone, the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA positions you perfectly on Highway 89 with stunning mountain views.

If you have an extra day, the 3-hour detour to Yellowstone's Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin is absolutely worth it—just remember that some park roads restrict RVs over 40 feet.

Take a worthwhile 90-minute detour north of I-90 (about 30 miles before reaching the Black Hills) to witness this geological wonder. The tower stands 867 feet from base to summit, rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River Provo to Rapid City Road Trip | Outdoorsy. The 1.3-mile Tower Trail loop provides stunning views from all angles and is accessible for most visitors. Note that parking fills up during summer afternoons, so arrive early or late. Limited RV parking is available—rigs over 30 feet may need to unhitch or park in overflow areas.

Finally, the main event! There is no entrance fee to Mount Rushmore, but parking costs $10 per vehicle, and this pass is valid for one year from purchase. Plan to spend 3-4 hours here to experience the full memorial. Walk the Avenue of Flags to the Grand View Terrace for those iconic photos, then hike the Presidential Trail loop (0.6 miles) for close-up views of the carving.

Don't miss the Visitor Center's museum and the short film about the monument's construction. If visiting May through September, stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony—rangers show a film highlighting the monument's creation, honor military veterans, and illuminate the faces as the crowd sings patriotic songs together. Arrive at least an hour before the ceremony during peak season to secure amphitheater seating.

RV Note: Mount Rushmore's parking garages accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Larger rigs should use the overflow parking areas.