Roadtrip with RVshare Seattle to Billings

Let your sense of adventure thrive during a Seattle to Billings road trip. You can easily explore five fantastic national parks featuring some of America’s tallest mountains on this trip. There are also fantastic state parks to explore filled with activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. Step back in time by taking a ride on a historic railroad and seeing how people lived in the 1800s on this fantastic road trip. 

Nearby National Parks

Olympic National Park  

You may want to go about two hours west of your route to visit Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, Washington, before starting your Seattle to Billings RV road trip. You can find over 60 miles of coastline to explore at this national park. The shoreline makes a great place to go tide pooling and fishing. This park is home to four rivers with Class I to Class V whitewater rapids. It is also home to three lakes, including Lake Ozette, which is a great place to see water lilies. Over 300 species of birds can be seen at this park throughout the year. Head to the lower valleys to see elk. In April, May, October, and November, stop at Kalaloch, Rialto, or Shi Shi Beaches to go whale watching. 

Mount Rainier National Park  

Mount Rainier National Park near Ashford, Washington, is the most glaciated national park in the contiguous United States. This park is one of 10 in the U.S. to be home to an active volcano. It is also a great place to go on a hike, which could take you by wildflowers blooming in the alpine meadows or along Carter Falls Trail to see the Nisqually River. Be sure to visit the Longmire Historic District with its museum. End your visit with a breathtaking drive along the Chinook Scenic Byway. 

North Cascades National Park  

The North Cascades National Park headquarters is at Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Consider paddling along on a multiday adventure on the Skagit River. There are also wilderness backpacking trips to enjoy. Think about climbing Hannegan Pass and then following the trails along Copper Ridge to reach the Chilliwack River. Continue by hiking through Whatcom and Beaver Passes and through the Big Beaver Valley to reach Ross Lake. Forbidden, Fury, Triumph, Torment, Terror, and Eldorado peaks are all fantastic places to climb. Check the schedule to see what survival and outdoor classes will be happening at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake during your visit. 

Grand Teton National Park  

A great introduction to Grand Teton National Park is the 42-mile scenic drive leaving from Moose, Wyoming. Follow the Teton Park Road until it intersects with the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive before finally taking Highway 89 back to Moose. While there are many short hikes in this park, like those leading to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, String and Leigh lakes, and Swan and Heron ponds, there are also many full-day hiking opportunities. A favorite is the Paintbrush Canyon hike that starts near String Lake. It winds its way through a fragrant pine forest in the lower part of Paintbrush Canyon before reaching Holly Lake. Complete this hike by following the strenuous 1.5-mile trail up Paintbrush Divide. There are many other things you can do in this park, including climbing, biking, and fishing. 

Yellowstone National Park  

A Seattle to Billings RV road trip is the perfect time to stop at Yellowstone National Park. This park contains the oldest active geyser field in the world, and you will want to visit many of them, including Old Faithful. Find the world’s largest wild bison herd at this park. While all wild animals are unpredictable, your best chance of seeing them is in the Lamar Valley or the Tower-Roosevelt areas. Wander along walkways to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and you will understand why many artists have painted this breathtaking scene throughout time. 

Nearby State Parks

Bridle Trails State Park  

You'll also want to make time for some of the many state parks along your trip from Seattle to Billings. If you love horses, then be sure to include Bridle Trails State Park near Kirkland, Washington, on your road trip itinerary from Seattle to Billings. This park is a fantastic place to go on a trail ride along the 28 miles of paths. Horse shows and organized trail rides often occur at this location. 

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park  

Start your visit to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park near Vantage, Washington, by visiting the park’s interpretive center. This location is a fantastic place to learn more about petrified wood, which is Washington's official gemstone. Then, head outside to enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River. Drive to the Ginkgo "trailside museum” to follow the interpretative trail, where you can see over 20 types of petrified wood. The trails near this museum are a terrific place to spot golden eagles, bighorn sheep, and elk. 

Palouse Falls State Park  

See one of the last remaining Ice Age flood plains waterfalls by stopping at Palouse Falls State Park near LaCrosse, Washington, on your road trip from Seattle to Billings. Take the stairs near the parking lot to get the first view of the waterfall. Then, follow the interpretative trail to learn more about the canyon surrounding the waterfall. Keep going or drive to Fryxell Overlook to see the waterfall from the top. 

Painted Rocks State Park  

Montana is also home to many state parks including Painted Rocks State Park. This location is a terrific place to go boating, swimming, and fishing on Painted Rocks Reservoir. Two boat ramps are available at this reservoir that is on the west end of the Bitterroot River. The river and the reservoir are great places to watch migratory birds. There are several scenic picnic spots. You can often see elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, and moose getting a drink at dawn and dusk at this park. 

Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park  

Watch the prairie dogs' silly antics at Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park near Greycliff, Montana. Be sure to bring your binoculars to watch from a distance as you dine on a picnic at this state park. Listen as you hear the different families talking to each other. Researchers believe that prairie dogs have at least 11 different calls that they use regularly. You can wander anywhere in this park, and interpretative signage allows you to learn more about the role that prairie dogs play in the natural environment. 

Along the Way

Northwest Railway Museum  

Take a seat on one of the historic trains operated by the Northwest Railway Museum, leaving from the Snoqualmie Depot in Snoqualmie, Washington. Then, head inside the depot to learn about the railroad’s history and how it was instrumental in the creation of Washington’s logging industry. 

Nevada City Old Town Living History Museum & Music Hall  

Stroll through the 100 historic buildings at Nevada City Old Town Living History Museum & Music Hall. Watch as costumed living history interpreters bring history alive at this Montana venue every weekend from May until September. Consider leaving your RV for one night as you participate in their Pioneer Museum Experience, which allows you to tent camp or stay in one of the homes at this site while preparing your meals over a campfire with the help of an expert. You will also receive historically accurate clothing to wear throughout the weekend. 

Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Area  

The Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Area covers more than 28,465 acres near Helena, Montana. Hike along 53 miles of trails that Merriweather Lewis named on his iconic expedition. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Yakima, Washington  

Head 36 miles south of Ellensburg, Washington, to arrive in Yakima. There are plenty of things to do in this community, including visiting the Yakima Sportsmen and Fort Simcoe state parks. Terrific campground choices in Yakima include Trailer Inns RV Park of Yakima, Windy Point Campground and Suntides RV Park. There are many Yakima RV dump station options like Toppenish City Dump Station, Aubrey's RV Center, Inc., and the Elks Lodge. 

Spokane, Washington  

Spokane offers many terrific places to explore, like the Riverfront and Riverside parks. Outstanding Spokane campground choices include North Spokane RV Campground, Willow Bay RV Resort & Marina, and Alderwood RV Express. Chevron at Legacy Landing, Riverside State Park, and Ponderosa Falls RV Resort are great places to use dump stations. 

Bozeman, Montana  

While in Bozeman, you will want to check out The Museum of the Rockies, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and the American Computer & Robotics Museum. There are great campgrounds in Bozeman, like Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park, Osen’s RV Park & Campground, and Sunrise Campground. Find Bozeman RV dump stations at Bozeman Bear Canyon RV Park & Campground, Rocky Mountain Supply Cenex Station, and Grantree Conoco. 

Find Adventure from Seattle to Billings

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Seattle to Billings, 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 Seattle or Billings.