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Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?

B H
Oslo, Norway
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368 posts
90 reviews
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Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Driving from Seattle (Tacoma airport) to GNP in beginning of July I wonder:

1) Suggested route? I-90 to almost Coeur D'Alene seems given. From there it seems to be a choice between going north via Sandpoint or the more southern option through Coeur D'Alene. The northern option being about 30 mins longer is acceptable if nicer route.

2) Suggested mid-stop? I see Coeur D'Alene and Sandpoint frequently mentioned? Suggestions for either or other options wanted. Probably best if mid-stop is actually slightly closer to GNP than "mid".

Kalispell, Montana
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for Glacier National Park, Santa Fe, Sedona
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1. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Are you also returning back to Seattle? Do you have a full day to drive from Seattle? It takes longer than you might imagine with a flight, Seattle traffic and then later 2 lane roads. Many people take the I-90 route into the park and the northern #2 route on the way back.

You are right, the very nicest two towns about mid-way are Coeur D'Alene and Sandpoint. Those are the two we always choose. They are really nice and both on very scenic lakes...they get you into scenic areas and out of Spokane which is just another big city. Be sure to turn south of the freeway into CdA...that gets you to the nice area near the lake...if you turn north, its more commercial and industrial feeling. That little town is vibrant and has a lot of cafes and nice hotels etc. We use the Hampton Inn & Suites there...but there are a lot.

**Google maps is not always correct up here for drive times. It even leads you spectacularly astray, sometimes on roads that are only logging tracks...good to have a print map as back up because in the Glacier mountains, cell phone service is also very spotty.

In actuality the #2 route and the I-90 route is a toss up in how long it takes. There are more two lane roads and slower speed limits going through the small towns on the #2 route.

I feel for a first time visitor, the I-90 route is by far the most scenic and has you facing a clear view of the mountains of Glacier as you approach the Flathead Lake area. I-90 is one of the most scenic freeways in America...honest.

After CdA, head east on the I-90 and turn toward Glacier at St Regis, exit 33...a great rest and fuel stop. Then take the #135 to the #200 to Plains. Then from Plains the #28 cut across past Hot Springs and to Elmo. At Elmo you will have a great view of the huge Flathead Lake in front of you with Glacier's mountains in the distance. Turn north on the 93 to Whitefish and then take the #40 cut across to Columbia Falls where you will catch the #2 into Glacier.

I hope you have reservations in/near Glacier...it is getting booked up. I can send you a list of accommodations in and very near the two sides of the park if you need it.

Let us know if you have other questions about anything on your trip!

Edited: 6 years ago
B H
Oslo, Norway
Level Contributor
368 posts
90 reviews
179 helpful votes
2. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Hi and thanks for your reply.

We're only going one way since we're on a Seattle- Glacier NP - Yellowstone - Grand Tetons - Zion - Bryce - Las Vegas Roadtrip.

Yes we have the bookings in Glacier and other NPs.

B H
Oslo, Norway
Level Contributor
368 posts
90 reviews
179 helpful votes
3. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Hi! Thanks again for suggestions and details for driving....

Ref your driving directions....

"After CdA, head east on the I-90 and turn toward Glacier at St Regis, exit 33...a great rest and fuel stop. Then take the #135 to the #200 to Plains. Then from Plains the #28 cut across past Hot Springs and to Elmo. At Elmo you will have a great view of the huge Flathead Lake in front of you with Glacier's mountains in the distance. Turn north on the 93 to Whitefish and then take the #40 cut across to Columbia Falls where you will catch the #2 into Glacier."

I can't find any #40 on Google Maps, but Google Maps tells me to turn right at upper left corner of Flathead Lake on to MT-82 E and then turn left at the upper right corner of the lake on to MT-35 W.

Is this the same as you described here "Turn north on the 93 to Whitefish and then take the #40 cut across to Columbia Falls where you will catch the #2 into Glacier."?

Edited: 6 years ago
Kalispell, Montana
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for Glacier National Park, Santa Fe, Sedona
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4. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Remember, don't always rely on google maps up here. In this case it is not leading you far astray though. Once you get onto the #35 heading north, you will have to also take the #206. That is another cut across that leads towards Columbia Falls from the south. There will be road signs.

The route they gave you works fine. Its a little slower as the roads are more rural. The 93 to Whitefish is faster as it it more freeway. The difference is the cut across #82 is at the south end of Flathead Valley and the #40 is at the north end.

The #40 is the short cut across road between just south Whitefish to where you catch the #2 west of Columbia Falls.

Either route works just fine.

........................

Your road trip sounds just wonderful...its one we take very often. Have a great time. Are you hikers?

If so,check out the following website. It has trail descriptions and free narrated, ad-free videos of each hike. The plus is that they also have some great waterproof and tear-proof maps. Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons and Zion.

Your Guide to Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons and Zion National Parks https://www.hike734.com

Spokane, Washington
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for Glacier National Park, Spokane
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5. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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I will give you another perspective as I drive this frequently to the park and our montana lake place. I-90 is not that scenic.......Slower, by maybe 30 minutes are options out of Sandpoint, on 200, then north on 56 past bull lake, then east on 2 to kalispel and on in. Or as suggested previously above, but take 200 east until you connect with 93, then north via St. Ignatius and Polson. Mountain views the entire route north.

Orlando, Florida
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6. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Thank you so much for these directions!

B H
Oslo, Norway
Level Contributor
368 posts
90 reviews
179 helpful votes
7. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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I´m the original poster here. In CdA today heading for the I-90, St.Regis, Columbia Falls route.

Any special places I should stop on the way? Sights, rest, eat , do etc

Where should I stop to buy bear spray?

What are the fuel filling options inside park? Should I fill up just before entering?

USA
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7,813 posts
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
8. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Answered your bear spray question on the other thread.

The are no gas stations inside the park. However, there are stations just outside the park in West Glacier, St. Mary, Babb, and East Glacier Park.

I would probably fill up in Columbia Falls if you need gas as you pass through. It will usually get more expensive as you get closer to the park. I usually fill up again in East Glacier Park (if needed). The price at St. Mary's always seems high, but in reality an extra dollar or two isn't that big of a deal.

Kalispell, Montana
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for Glacier National Park, Santa Fe, Sedona
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9. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?
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Kellogg and Wallace Idaho are interesting historic stops for some people. Restrooms and a snack as well.

St Regis has a nice travel center with all the necessities. Lakeside has the Tamarack Brewery and Grill which is really good.

Don't buy bear spray before you get to Montana...there is no sales tax in Montana except for a small resort tax in Whitefish and later in West Yellowstone. If you drive up the 93 from Elmo to Whitefish to C Falls, stop at the Costco in Kalispell or wait and stop at the Columbia Falls Super 1 for the bear spray...which is the least expensive except for Costco. Sportsman and Skihaus is an exceptionally nice sporting good store across the highway from Costco but the bear spray is full price...you may have more confidence in the brand there. Check your other thread...I am checking brand at Costco this afternoon.

As you drive into Kalispell on its south side, shortly after seeing the Rosauer's Grocery and the Hilton Garden Inn...there is a Salvation Army mega-store thrift on the left. This past week they got in a lot of new styro coolers selling for about $1. They are in the tool section immediately to the right as you enter the store. It would only take a second to run in and see if there are some left. Sometimes they also have other brands of used coolers which are not in bad shape.

The least expensive fuel stops will usually be the Town Pump stations in Kalispell, or Columbia Falls. Prices go up very near the park...usually not a whole lot. One tank may get you through your entire Glacier trip once you fill up just before you enter the park. Glacier is pretty compact. If need be, you can just add a few gallons in East Glacier Park and once outside of Glacier on the way to Yellowstone, say Great Falls, the prices should come down again. Good also to fill up somewhere like Bozeman before entering Yellowstone or West Yellowstone.

10. Re: Seattle to GNP: Route and mid-stop?

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