The road trip from Moab to Seattle is a magnificent journey that spans the Rocky Mountains, crosses the high deserts of the northern United States, travels across the Cascade Mountains, and finishes in a major metropolis on the Pacific coast. Crossing these mountains and plains brings you to some of the most impressive sites in the entire country. You will move from the high desert of Utah to even higher elevations in the passes of the Rocky Mountains before descending to the coastal plain, interrupted by the jewels of the Cascade Mountains. If you are looking for a vacation with historical roots, this road trip takes you into lands where mountain men ventured long before immigration reached across the lands. Whether you are looking for the arid desert, the incredible display in the night sky found in the Rockies, or the verdant rain forests of the Pacific Northwest, this road trip delivers an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Arches National Park
Moab sits at the doorstep of Arches National Park. Named for the series of rock formations that populate the area, the park is considered so delicate that airplanes are not allowed to fly over. One of the most photographed landscapes in the country, Arches National Park is immediately recognized by visitors as a natural phenomenon second to none. The natural sandstone arches currently number over 2,000, with more discovered each year. Over 1.8 million visitors come from around the world to view these amazing structures.
Canyonlands National Park
If you are looking for recreational activities near Moab, travel a short distance south to the Canyonlands National Park. The park is known for its panoramic vistas of a desert landscape with canyons carved through the sandstone by rivers over millions of years. Canyonlands offers a unique opportunity for guests to understand the stark desert ecosystems sprinkled throughout the world. In contrast to most preconceptions of these desert environments, this park has rivers and streams running through it, providing a dash of blue against the red sandstone that dominates the horizon. These rivers offer fishing, swimming, and whitewater rafting opportunities in the middle of a scenic desert.
Yellowstone National Park
Before you reach Twin Falls, ID, on your road trip from Moab to Seattle, take a detour east to take in the legendary Yellowstone National Park. The added 250 miles is well worth the time. Stop by the celebrated Old Faithful geothermal spout before venturing into the primitive environment that makes up the hills and valleys of this park. Here, you find amazing views, unique wildlife, and the geographic phenomena that spurred President Theodore Roosevelt to begin his conservation program with this park.
Olympic National Park
When you reach Seattle, add Olympic National Park to your road trip itinerary from Moab to Seattle. Established in 1909 as a national reserve, this is a pristine mountain system with a rugged coastline, deep valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. Over 3 million people visit this park each year to witness its lush forests and steep mountains that seem to climb out of the sea.
Great Salt Lake State Park
About 240 miles into your Moab to Seattle road trip lies the Great Salt Lake State Park. Its location on the southern shores of Great Salt Lake provides several views of the lake and its surroundings from elevated positions. For those interested in boating the lake, the park supports a marina where sailboats and motorboats may be rented. Since the park offers several RV camping sites that are available year-round, this location is ideal for stopping and exploring what the Salt Lake region offers.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Located halfway along your road trip from Moab to Seattle is Bruneau Dunes State Park in Idaho. The remote location of this park and its high elevation lead to fantastic stargazing opportunities. No matter what time of year you visit, the paths of planets against the backdrop of stars are an amazing sight. During daylight hours, you can climb these dunes and use boards for sledding down their sides. Near the bottom of the dunes are several lakes where bluegill fishing is phenomenal.
Dash Point State Park
Dash Point State Park is the perfect spot to end your road trip from Moab to Seattle. The park is located about 15 miles south of Seattle, and it hosts abundant RV camping sites. Elevated overviews provide astounding scenes of Puget Sound, and the beaches offer a comfortable spot to anchor your camping chair. The fishing is phenomenal, with salmon, striped bass, and steelhead being plentiful during their seasons. From here, you can explore the incredible amenities of Seattle, which include world-class restaurants, sites, and stores.
Bingham Canyon Mine
Located southwest of Salt Lake City, the Bingham Canyon Mine (also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine) is the largest mineral extraction enterprise in the world. An open-pit mine, this operation is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The mine is a byproduct of earlier prospecting for gold and silver. In 1909, the owners began working it as an open-pit copper mine, removing material at a blistering rate. Since those first days, Bingham County Mine has been in continuous operation, and it supplies most of the copper mined in the United States.
World Center for Birds of Prey
Stop in Boise for a tour of the World Center for Birds of Prey. The center is the largest institution in the world dedicated to the preservation of birds of prey. Their reach is worldwide, with educational and scientific programs presented to locals and authorities about the benefits of birds of prey in the modern world. Stopping at this center allows your family to observe fledgling hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and osprey in their natural habitat.
The Space Needle
A great way to finish your Moab to Seattle RV road trip is with a ride to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle. Built in 1962, this observation platform provides an exciting view of the Seattle skyline from above. On a clear day, you see the vastness of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Today, the Space Needle is considered an icon of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a vacation favorite for many people, which means it offers a massive number of dump stations. Many visitors come to see the impressive architecture; some come to enjoy the Great Salt Lake, while others visit the delicate high desert. Regardless of their reasons, over 4 million people venture to Salt Lake City each year. The arrival of such yearly numbers influenced the development of several RV campgrounds. At times these are full, but most of the year you can pick and choose your campsite.
Boise, Idaho
Halfway along your road trip from Moab to Seattle lies Boise, ID. The city claims the distinction of being the most populous town in Idaho. Graced with an incredible green belt area, Boise is an oasis in a desert. Located along the major highways and Interstates that travel along the northern border with Canada, the city receives many visitors, often traveling in RVs. Consequently, the city has a large number of dump stations and campgrounds available to service its guests.
Kennewick, Washington
About 850 miles into your Moab to Seattle RV road trip is Kennewick, WA, near the Hanford Project—one of the fabled pioneering nuclear power locations now closed to the public and demolished. Known locally as one of the towns in the tri-city area, Kennewick sits at a major bend in the Columbia River and is the gateway to its northern and western sections. You can explore the Columbia north to the Grand Coulee Dam or west to the Columbia Gorge from this location. Either way, the views are impressive, with educational films and materials available at each stop. When you stop here, take advantage of their multiple dump stations to clean your tanks. Stay overnight at one of the fine campgrounds that surround the town and relax.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Moab to Seattle, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Moab or Seattle.
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