Seattle to Missoula Road Trip Guide

The Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center is an excellent place to bring the family to learn about the production of renewable energy. Located on a hilltop just outside of Ellensburg, WA., the facility is an active energy production center with 149 wind turbines and solar energy arrays. There are a number of educational displays available to visitors as well as guided tours. Guided tours are free, last about 60 minutes and bring you up close to one of the largest solar arrays in the Northwest, wind turbine blades, and an actual turbine generator and gearbox.

While you are up there make sure you soak in the views of surrounding mountains and the Columbia River Basin.

This scenic viewpoint is just off I-90, just east of the magnificent bridge crossing the Columbia River. It provides a great quick stop to take in beautiful panoramic views of the Columbia River Valley. And taking in this awe-inspiring view gives you a great photo opportunity without taking too much time from your trip.

If you want to spend more time in the area, then stop at the Wanapum Recreation Area or the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park just across the river on the west bank. Washington State Parks do require a paid Discover Pass, but the activities available in the parks make the nominal fee well worth it.

River Front Park is located on the shores of the Spokane River in downtown Spokane, Wa. This is a beautiful park which offers a lot to do on a family road trip. One of the key attractions here is the Spokane Falls which are the second-longest series of urban waterfalls in the United States. While you can enjoy the falls from the shore, the best way to see them is via the Numerica SkyRide which is an enclosed gondola cable ride that carries passengers up and over the falls. There are many other family-friendly activities within the park as well including the Numerica Skate Ribbon and the Looff Carousel.

The best RV Park in the area is Coeur d'Alene RV resort. This RV park is just a short distance away just over the border in Idaho. In addition to the great amenities, the park offers a perfect location for visiting the sights in both Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.

Coeur d'Alene, ID is a great small city in beautiful Northwest Idaho. Lake Coeur d'Alene is the centerpiece and major attraction for visitors to this area. The lake offers many activities including boating, paddling, swimming, fishing, waterskiing/tubing, and parasailing. In fact, parasailing is one of the best ways to get an amazing view of the lake, surrounding city, and mountains. To set up a parasailing trip try Coeur d'Alene Parasail. They offer amazing single and tandem flights at affordable prices.

One thing to note. If you want to bring your own watercraft to the lake there is a mandatory watercraft inspection required to prevent the spread of invasive species to the waters here. The inspection stations are off of I-90 and all vehicles traveling with watercraft have to go through the inspection stations. You will want to make sure that your watercraft is completely drained and dry inside before getting inspected.

The St. Regis Flea Market is the largest flea market held in the state of Montana. It is held annually on Memorial Day weekend at the St Regis Community Park. To get there, take the Montana exit 33 off of I-90 and follow the signs. The market is open from daylight to dusk on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. You'll find a wide variety of things for sale, including crafts, tools, furniture, and other miscellaneous items. There are also food vendors on site.

St Regis is a great small mountain town to stop at while passing through Western Montana. They have a great golf course, antique shopping, and access to the Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail. Campground St Regis is a great place to stay in the area. It is a beautiful, well-run campground conveniently located just outside of town.

This spectacular 268-foot waterfall, just 30 minutes east of Seattle, offers dramatic views, easy RV access, and serves as the perfect introduction to Washington's natural beauty.

Located near the historic town of Snoqualmie, these falls drop dramatically into a deep gorge surrounded by lush Pacific Northwest forest. The upper observation deck provides stunning views accessible to all mobility levels, while hiking trails offer closer exploration opportunities. The visitor center features exhibits about local history and the hydroelectric plant operations.

The Twin Peaks television series made these falls famous worldwide, adding pop culture appeal to their natural beauty. Nearby attractions include the Northwest Railway Museum and historic downtown Snoqualmie. Several RV-friendly parking areas and the town's proximity to I-90 make this an ideal first stop for families beginning their eastern adventure.

Eastern Washington's cultural hub offers urban amenities, Riverfront Park attractions, and serves as the perfect midpoint rest stop with excellent RV services and family-friendly activities.

Spokane provides the largest service center between Seattle and Missoula, featuring full RV amenities, restaurants, fuel, and shopping opportunities. Riverfront Park, built for the 1974 World's Fair, offers family attractions including the historic Looff Carrousel, scenic gondola rides over Spokane Falls, and numerous walking trails along the Spokane River.

The city's compact downtown features the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, while nearby attractions include Manito Park with its Japanese Garden and Duncan Garden. Several RV parks offer full hookups and resort amenities, making Spokane an excellent overnight stop before crossing into Idaho's lake country.

This pristine 25-mile-long lake offers crystal-clear waters, a charming resort town atmosphere, and numerous RV-friendly recreation opportunities in Idaho's scenic panhandle.

Coeur d'Alene combines small-town charm with sophisticated amenities, featuring a beautiful lakefront downtown, a floating boardwalk, and numerous water recreation opportunities. The lake's remarkably clear water and surrounding mountains create picture-perfect scenery, while the town offers excellent dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Popular activities include boat tours, fishing, swimming, and exploring the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course's famous floating green. The nearby Tubbs Hill Nature Preserve offers hiking trails with panoramic lake views. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Huckleberry Campground—located southeast of Coeur d'Alene along the Saint Joe River—offers pristine natural settings with excellent water activities and wildlife viewing. Multiple RV parks provide full hookups with lake access, while the town's walkable downtown offers easy exploration on foot.

This historic silver mining town, proclaimed as the "Center of the Universe," offers authentic Old West charm, mining heritage, and serves as a gateway to the Silver Valley's recreational opportunities.

Wallace's entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its 1890s architecture and frontier atmosphere. The Sierra Silver Mine Tour provides underground exploration opportunities, while the Route of the Hiawatha rail-trail offers scenic biking through tunnels and over trestles in the nearby Bitterroot Mountains.

The town's quirky humor is evident in its "Center of the Universe" proclamation and annual festivals celebrating its mining heritage. Several RV parks accommodate travelers, while the historic downtown provides dining and shopping within walking distance. Wallace serves as an excellent base for exploring the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.

This scenic mountain pass on the Idaho-Montana border offers dramatic mountain vistas, recreational opportunities, and marks the transition into Montana's Continental Divide ecosystem.

Lookout Pass sits at 4,680 feet elevation, providing stunning views of the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains and access to numerous hiking trails and ski areas. The pass serves as a natural gateway between Idaho's lake country and Montana's mountain wilderness, offering travelers a sense of crossing into true Big Sky Country.

Winter brings world-class skiing, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Route of the Hiawatha provides family-friendly rail-trail biking through historic tunnels and over trestles. Several recreation areas offer camping and day-use facilities for RV travelers.

Montana's cultural heart, nestled in the Rocky Mountain foothills, offers university town energy, outdoor recreation access, and serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Missoula combines vibrant cultural life with immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation. The University of Montana provides college town energy, while downtown offers excellent dining, breweries, and shopping along the Clark Fork River. The city serves as a major outdoor gear and outfitting center for regional wilderness exploration.

Nearby attractions include the National Bison Range, Glacier National Park (90 miles north), and numerous hot springs. The city's location at the convergence of five mountain valleys provides access to endless hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Multiple RV parks offer full amenities, while the city's compact size makes downtown exploration easy on foot.

For extended Montana exploration, check out our comprehensive Glacier National Park RV guide for camping and activity planning.