Seattle to Yellowstone, or bust

[DBCooper]

The trips all planned with campground reservations and the such for the middle of June. I know it's a little early in the year, but wanted to miss the crowds and not the kid's school. I have a 6 year old son who would love to see a steam locomotive that actually runs. He's facinated by them (he does have good taste in machinery). Is there such a thing anywhere between Seattle and the Yellowstone/Jackson Hole area? I need to break this trip up for the kids... they're young and restless on a long drive. If there are any other suggestions for some side trips I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Dan

 

[Tractorat]

seattle to yellowstone

you'll be getting pretty close to Yellowstone. But, there are several really cool things to see in Deer Lodge. I highly recommend the Grant-Kohrs ranch in Deer Lodge. It was a huge cattle barons ranch in the 1800's that they just walked away from. It is just like being back in the 1800's. My kids were a little older the first time we stopped, but they really enjoyed it, you will to.

 

[JThiessen]

There is a train ride I believe up at a place north of Cordelane (Silver. . something). There is also a fairly large amuament park up there - roller coasters, etc.



The Lewis and Clark Caverns (if I remember right, the exit is east of Missoula) are a very neat trip. Plan on at least a half day there - they do have a place nearby to camp overnight if you choose. The road to the Caverns cuts straight through to Big Sky, so it will cut some drive time off for you also. One other neat thing along that drive is the Quake Lake area. Its the area there that got hit by a huge earthquake back in the early 60's. They left most everything alone, and you can see cabins in the lake, 12 ft cliffs where the earth shifted, and there is a big visitors center where you watch a video of the whole thing and see where the mountain fell, blocking the river which created quake lake.



Plan on cold nights in yellowstone/jackson hole in June. Should be 70/80 day, 25-35 nights. (froze my butt off in a tent there - then I got a 5'er!)

 

[KMeek]

Silverwood Theme Park on Hwy 93 which travels north of Couer D'Alene toward Sand Point, Idaho. The theme park is actually located in a town (spot in the road) called Athol. It is a perfect one day theme park for kids although age 6 is a tad bit young for it yet. They have a real live awesome steam locomotive that you can ride around the Park. Silverwood is, in my opinion, a first class place to take a family. I pull my 5th wheel from Great Falls, Montana to the Seattle area and back at least once a year. I am also VERY familiar with the Theme Park-they have a very nice campground that is inexpensive. I know all the other cool campgrounds between Seattle and Great Falls so don't be afraid to ask.

 

[smartineau]

DBCooper,



I just put two and two together with your name, is the reward still good on you? Or is the Statute of limitations up?



steve

 

[DBCooper]

Thanks for the ideas. My kids (6 and 3 yrs. ) are really too young for Silverwood, but it is on our list to do some day. The others sound very interesting. I guess I'm just trying to get some ideas of things to do if our plans change for some reason.

We are prepared for cold nights since we camp year'round on this side of the Cascades. The furnace really cranks it out when we need it. Looking forward to getting off "the coast". Its been 9 years since We've been to Montana, and almost 20 since Wyoming. Thanks again for the ideas. Keep 'em coming if you come up with any more.

Dan

 

[DBCooper]

KMeek, while we're here, can you recomend a camp ground around Missoula. Thats about max for the kids in one day. We've look into Jellystone for the kids, but it looks like a parking lot with Yogi running around. Thanks for any input.

 

[24V-DSL]

smartineau....

Steve... .



I asked a similar question a couple of years ago, but no response.



I'd guess the statute of limitations on fertility is probably passed... . kids are too young for this to be the original DB.

 

[KMeek]

The Jellystone Park in Missoula is a very nice park--have stayed there several times. Beautiful large outdoor pool. A tractor pulls the kids on a trailer around the park in the evening with Yogi. Free ice cream social most nights. Hardly any trees though. Very friendly employees. There is a mini golf course--not too great. The store/laundromat/showers are very very nice! Easy to find the Park. It is one of our fave parks because of the pool but it is expensive.



There are two nice Parks between Spokane and Missoula in St Regis (Montana). One is a KOA. What makes the St Regis KOA so cool is that there are probably a hundred or more wild/domesticated rabbits everywhere. All night the little kids are trying to feed them--good wholesome fun for the kids. Nice outdoor pool. Nice store--friendly people. Have stayed there once--it was okay. There is another campground at St. Regis along the interstate (have forgotten the name) that is my fave place--tall trees along the campsites--a quaint store and a smaller nice outdoor pool. It is never very busy---sort of a nice lazy sleepy fun place where the pool is rarely crowded. All 3 locations have nice pull throughs and other facilities.



Incidentally, the interstate from Spokane to Missoula is pretty good. A couple steep passes. It is a nice drive and with the exception of the passes you will make good time.



Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[hammersley]

better be carefull

there are years that Yellowstone isn't very attractive in early June - unless you like to snowmobile! The way this year has been going - not sure what to expect - watch very careful Check this page carefully as you may have Cold Conditions.



http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/orientation/weather/index.htm..



Remember that Yellowstone is very high with Yellowstone Lake at 7,333 ft msl! But a great place - one could spend a lifetime there... .



http://www.nps.gov/yell/home.htm

 

[DBCooper]

Thanks. The weather does have us a bit concerned in that I don't like to tow on snow and ice, but have. I'll keep an eye on the links above.

I did reply on the comments from Steve, but got disconected from the net and decided to shorten my reply. As 24V figured, either I'm a stud at my age or I'm not the real DB. It'n not even my name, and is a very long story as to how it became my "handle". Gold star to 24V-DSL!

KMeek,... looks like we'll stay at Jellystone. The price is in line with most around here and is so close to I-90 it would be easy. Been over to Missoula more times than I can remember. It's a great drive.

 

[KMeek]

Two other things. First, there is a really cool Carousel in Missoula for the kids. Maybe no big deal to someone with Seattle nearby. Also, Missoula is home to the headquarters for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. I have not yet been to the Elk Foundation headquarters but have been told it is a sight worth seeing.

 

[24V-DSL]

Dan... .



Not to worry, I've decided not to call the FBI today:-laf