The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Boulder, Colorado to Seattle, Washington

Are you planning a road trip from Boulder, Colorado to Seattle, Washington? This is a fantastic journey that will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Along the way, you will encounter majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking coastlines. There are countless places to explore and things to see, so it can be tough to figure out where to start. In this guide, we’ll outline the top places you won’t want to miss on your journey from Boulder to Seattle.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors, this leg of the trip has plenty of scenery to take in and explore.

Rocky Mountain National Park

As you head out from Boulder, you’ll want to start your journey at the Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll drive by Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views of the Rockies, and this iconic route is the highest paved road in America. As you wind through the park, you’ll be treated to an endless vista of mountains, valleys, and glaciers - so it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the scenic drive. If you’re in the mood for a hike, there are more than 300 miles of trails to choose from.

Yellowstone National Park

After you leave Colorado and enter Wyoming, the next stop on your road trip should be Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is a natural wonderland, spanning over 2.2 million acres of mountains, forests, and geothermal features. Known as the first national park in the world, it’s home to grizzly bears, gray wolves, and artist’s paint pots. With over 900 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty to see and explore.

Crater Lake National Park

As you head into Oregon, you’ll be headed for Crater Lake National Park. This park is best known for the stunningly blue crater, which was formed by a collapsed volcano. The lake is over 1,900 feet deep, making it one of the deepest in the country. In addition to the lake, there are over 90 miles of trails to explore.

Quaint Towns and Culture

Along with the stunning scenery, there are plenty of quaint towns and cultural attractions to take in on this road trip.

Missoula, Montana

As you pass through Montana, check out the charming town of Missoula. This city is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene and is often called the cultural hub of Montana. Browse local art galleries or take in a show at the Missoula Children's Theatre. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options from hiking to rafting.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

As you make your way through Idaho, stop off in the picturesque town of Coeur d'Alene. Located on the shore of a beautiful lake by the same name, this town is known for its outdoor recreation and water activities. Take a bike ride along the lake or enjoy the sandy beaches. You can also take in some culture with a visit to the Coeur d’Alene Art Walk.

Seattle, Washington

Your final destination on the road trip is the Emerald City of Seattle, Washington. This iconic Pacific Northwest city offers a little something for everyone, from its Space Needle landmark to its famous Pike Place Market. Wander the downtown core and explore the booming food and drink scene. Don't forget to stop by the waterfront for views of the stunning Puget Sound.

Conclusion

This road trip from Boulder to Seattle is packed with natural beauty and cultural landmarks. These are just a handful of the many places you can explore along the way, but each stop will undoubtedly offer its unique charm and experience. When planning your trip, make sure to give yourself enough time to take it all in and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!