10 Day Glacier National Park and the Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

A 10-day road trip through Glacier National Park and the Pacific Northwest is a journey through some of North America’s most stunning landscapes—jagged peaks, emerald lakes, dense forests, and rugged coastlines. Starting in Montana’s “Crown of the Continent” and winding through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, this itinerary blends wilderness adventures with urban delights, all within a manageable 1,500-mile loop from Spokane, Washington. As of March 29, 2025, Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road remains a bucket-list drive, while the Pacific Northwest’s spring-to-fall appeal (April-October) ensures vibrant scenery and mild weather. This guide offers a day-by-day plan, woven through nine key categories—Adventures & Activities, Blog, Budget Travel, Cultural Experiences, Family Travel, Luxury Travel, Solo Travel, Travel Deals & Offers, and Travel Tips & Hacks—to suit every traveler’s style, from rugged explorers to luxe road warriors.

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Day 1: Spokane to Whitefish, MT (240 miles, 4 hours)

Adventures & Activities: Kick Off with Whitefish Lake

Start in Spokane, Washington, and drive east on I-90 to Whitefish, Montana—a gateway to Glacier National Park. Stretch your legs at Whitefish Lake State Park ($6/vehicle). Rent a kayak ($20/hour) or paddleboard ($25/hour) from Whitefish Lake Outfitters for a quick dip into adventure—calm waters and mountain views set the tone.

Budget Travel: Affordable Base

Check into the Pine Lodge ($100-$150/night, spring rates)—clean, comfy, and steps from downtown Whitefish. Grab a $5 sandwich at The Wich Haus for a budget-friendly dinner.

Travel Tip

Fill up in Spokane (gas ~$3.50/gallon vs. $4 in Montana). Book lodging early—Glacier’s proximity spikes demand.

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Day 2: Whitefish to Glacier National Park (25 miles, 45 minutes)

Adventures & Activities: Explore West Glacier

Drive to West Glacier and enter Glacier National Park ($35/vehicle, 7-day pass). Hike the Avalanche Lake Trail (5.9 miles roundtrip, moderate)—a 2-3 hour trek through cedar forests to a turquoise lake framed by Bearhat Mountain. Bring binoculars; moose and bears roam here.

Family Travel: Kid-Friendly Fun

The trail’s gentle grade suits older kids—pack a picnic for the lake shore. Stop at Apgar Village for ice cream ($3-$5) post-hike—views of Lake McDonald keep everyone smiling.

Blog Tip

Snap the lake’s reflection for a “Glacier Day 1” post—caption it with your bear-sighting tally (safely distant, of course).

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Day 3: Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road

Adventures & Activities: Drive the Iconic Route

Tackle the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to St. Mary (3-4 hours with stops, open late May-October). Pull over at Logan Pass (6,646 feet) for the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (2.7 miles roundtrip, easy)—wildflowers and mountain goats steal the show. Book a vehicle reservation ($2 online, May 24-September 8, 2025) via recreation.gov—required for 6 AM-3 PM entry.

Solo Travel: Solo Serenity

The road’s solitude—fewer crowds in spring or fall—lets you soak in the vistas at your pace. Journal at Jackson Glacier Overlook; it’s a soul-stirring spot.

Travel Hack

Start pre-dawn to beat traffic—Logan Pass parking fills by 8 AM. Pack snacks; no food’s sold en route.

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Day 4: Glacier to Missoula, MT (140 miles, 2.5 hours)

Cultural Experiences: Missoula’s Artsy Vibe

Drive south to Missoula, a college town with a creative pulse. Visit the Missoula Art Museum (free, 10 AM-5 PM) for Native American exhibits and local works—30-45 minutes well spent. Stroll the Riverfront Trail along the Clark Fork River—street musicians add a cultural hum.

Budget Travel: Cheap Eats

Grab a $7 huckleberry pie slice at Black Cat Bake Shop—Montana’s signature flavor on a dime. Camp at Missoula KOA ($40-$60/night) to save on lodging.

Travel Deals

Check Groupon for Missoula dining discounts—10-20% off at spots like Plonk wine bar.

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Day 5: Missoula to Coeur d’Alene, ID (170 miles, 2.5 hours)

Adventures & Activities: Tubbs Hill Hike

Head west to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and hike Tubbs Hill (2-mile loop, easy)—a lakeside trail with Coeur d’Alene Lake views and rocky beaches. Swim or picnic at the shore (free entry)—a 1-2 hour detour that refreshes.

Luxury Travel: Lakeside Splurge

Book a room at The Coeur d’Alene Resort ($200-$300/night)—its infinity pool and lakefront dining (Beverly’s, $40-$60/plate) elevate your stay. Sip a $15 cocktail at sunset—worth it.

Solo Tip

The trail’s quiet corners are perfect for reflection—bring a book or podcast for downtime by the water.

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Day 6: Coeur d’Alene to Seattle, WA (280 miles, 4.5 hours)

Cultural Experiences: Seattle’s Urban Pulse

Drive to Seattle via I-90, arriving by midday. Explore Pike Place Market (free entry)—watch fishmongers toss salmon, sample $2 chowder shots, and buy local art (1-2 hours). Hit the Museum of Pop Culture ($30/adult, 10 AM-5 PM) for Nirvana exhibits and sci-fi props—a 90-minute cultural dive.

Family Travel: Kid-Friendly Seattle

The market’s street performers and Rachel the Piggy Bank thrill kids—add a $10 ride on the Great Wheel for skyline views.

Blog Bonus

Post a “From Glacier to Grunge” transition tale—contrast rugged trails with Seattle’s buzz.

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Day 7: Seattle to Olympic National Park, WA (110 miles, 2.5 hours + ferry)

Adventures & Activities: Hurricane Ridge

Take the Bainbridge Island ferry ($9/vehicle, 35 minutes) to Olympic National Park. Drive to Hurricane Ridge (17 miles from Port Angeles, $30/vehicle pass)—a 1-2 hour ascent to 5,242 feet. Hike the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.2 miles roundtrip, moderate)—panoramas of the Olympics and Strait of Juan de Fuca stun in under 2 hours.

Luxury Travel: Cozy Retreat

Stay at Lake Crescent Lodge ($200-$250/night)—historic cabins and a lakefront porch scream romance. Dinner’s upscale rustic ($30-$40/plate).

Travel Hack

Ferry lines peak midday—book online or arrive by 8 AM. Pack layers; ridge weather flips fast.

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Day 8: Olympic to Portland, OR (190 miles, 3.5 hours)

Cultural Experiences: Portland’s Quirky Charm

Drive south to Portland, Oregon, and roam Powell’s City of Books (free, 9 AM-9 PM)—a block-wide indie bookstore with rare finds (1-2 hours). Stroll the Pearl District—galleries and brewpubs like Deschutes ($6-$8/pint) showcase Portland’s artsy edge.

Budget Travel: Food Cart Feast

Hit a food cart pod like Pioneer Courthouse Square—$8-$12 buys gourmet tacos or ramen. Camp at Columbia River RV Park ($35-$50/night) to keep costs low.

Travel Deals

Look for Visit Portland’s “Spring Savings”—10-15% off attractions like the Japanese Garden ($20/adult).

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Day 9: Portland to Mount Hood, OR (60 miles, 1 hour)

Adventures & Activities: Trillium Lake Loop

Drive to Mount Hood and hike the Trillium Lake Loop (2 miles, easy)—a flat trail with postcard views of the 11,240-foot peak reflecting in the lake (1-2 hours). Rent a canoe ($25/hour) from Mt. Hood Adventure for a serene paddle.

Family Travel: Snow or Shine

Winter offers snow tubing at Timberline Lodge ($15-$20/person); spring brings wildflowers—kids love both. The lodge’s Wy’East Café ($10-$15 meals) fuels everyone.

Solo Bonus

The lake’s quiet shore is a soloist’s haven—meditate or sketch with Mount Hood as your muse.

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Day 10: Mount Hood to Spokane, WA (290 miles, 4.5 hours)

Adventures & Activities: Columbia River Gorge

En route back to Spokane, detour via I-84 to Multnomah Falls (60 miles from Portland, free)—a 620-foot cascade with a 1-mile loop trail (1 hour). Stretch your legs and snap final pics—Oregon’s goodbye kiss.

Luxury Travel: Farewell Splurge

Lunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge ($20-$40/plate)—stone-fired pizza with falls views caps the trip in style.

Travel Tip

Break the drive with a coffee stop in Hood River ($3-$5)—arrive Spokane by 5 PM, road-weary but fulfilled.

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Why This Itinerary Rocks

This 10-day loop hits:

• Glacier’s Majesty: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Avalanche Lake are iconic.
• PNW Variety: Mountains, forests, lakes, coastlines, and cities—1,500 miles of wow.
• Flexibility: Budget campsites, luxe lodges, solo hikes, or family fun—it adapts.

Mileage averages 150 miles/day—doable yet leisurely—covering Montana’s wilds, Idaho’s lakes, Washington’s peaks, and Oregon’s quirks.

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Practical Road Trip Logistics

Getting Started

Fly into Spokane (GEG, $100-$200 round-trip) or drive from Seattle (280 miles). Rent a car via Budget or Enterprise ($30-$50/day)—AWD helps in Glacier.

Timing

May-September is prime—Glacier’s road opens late May, PNW weather peaks June-August. April or October cuts crowds but risks closures.

Budget

Gas ($150-$200, 1,500 miles), lodging ($40-$300/night), food ($10-$40/day), parks ($65 total)—$800-$2,000 total, depending on style.

Packing

Layers (50-80°F), hiking boots, swimsuit, binoculars, cooler—Glacier’s chilly, Portland’s balmy.

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Enhancing Your Trip Across Categories

• Adventures: Add whitewater rafting in Leavenworth, WA ($75, Day 7 detour).
• Blog: Post daily—Glacier’s bears, Seattle’s fish, Portland’s books—tag #PNWRoadTrip.
• Budget: Use KOA campsites ($40/night) or Groupon for 10% off meals.
• Cultural: Hit Whitefish’s First Thursday art walk (Day 1, free).
• Family: Swap a hike for Spokane’s Riverfront Park carousel ($2, Day 10).
• Luxury: Book Timberline Lodge’s hot tub suite ($300, Day 9).
• Solo: Camp solo at Trillium Lake ($20, Day 9)—stars galore.
• Deals: Check Glacier’s “Annual Pass” ($70) if returning.
• Hacks: Download offline maps—cell service fades in Glacier and Olympic.

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Final Thoughts: Your PNW Road Trip Awaits

This 10-day Glacier National Park and Pacific Northwest road trip is a love letter to the wild and wonderful West. As of March 29, 2025, it’s primed for adventure—whether you’re hiking Glacier’s trails, sipping Portland’s brews, or marveling at Olympic’s peaks. Tailor it to your vibe: budget campsites, luxe lodges, family pit stops, or solo escapes—it’s all here. Gas up, map your route, and hit the road—1,500 miles of memories start now.