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Q&A: Stops Along the Way to Yellowstone

Submitted by Laurie Peterson, March 17, 2009
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Question: Mark Cruise asks: I am planning a rented RV trip to Yellowstone in July ’09. Any suggestions so my three kids and I will have fun?

Answer: Judy Mest, travel planner at the AAA office in Portland, Ore., answers: What a great time you'll have! My recommendation is to take I-84 to Boise the first day.  It's only about a seven hour drive, but the kids will be ready for a break by then. Near the Mountain View RV park in Boise is the World Center for Birds of Prey Interpretive Center. Kids of any age will enjoy an hour here learning about the biology, ecology and conservation efforts, and will have a chance to view live falcons and eagles. The entry fee is very modestly priced.
 
I would then suggest that you get off the interstate and drive along US 20 to Craters of the Moon National Monument. During a seven-mile loop-drive that will take you past many of the monument's major features, you can stare in wonder at what a whole lot of molten, gas-charged rocks and lava bombs can do to Mother Earth! If you choose, there is a campground nearby the entrance.
 
Continuing on to Yellowstone National Park, you'll be passing right by a piece of history - the Idaho National Laboratory Experimental Breeder Reactor #1, which in 1951 became the first nuclear reactor to produce a useable amount of electricity. Fascinating and free, the kids can scope out the reactor itself, the control room and detection devices at this National Historic Landmark.  
 
There are many campgrounds available outside and within Yellowstone NP; however, you will want to call ahead for reservations, as the summer season is quite busy.  You'll find options in West Yellowstone, Mont., and some within the park itself to choose from.
 
Yellowstone NP is in very close proximity to Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.  If time allows, this 130-mile round trip would be worth your time and energy.
 
After your stay at Yellowstone, I recommend taking another route home - it's always nice not to repeat the same route! Take US 191 north up to I-90 and begin your journey back home through Montana, Idaho and Washington. An interesting stop just off I-90 that might be worth a side-trip is the Lewis and Clark Caverns in Whitehall, Mont., a AAA GEM attraction. Here, a two-hour walking tour will take you through one of the most beautiful limestone caverns in the country. Very reasonably priced and with camping available, all you'll need are good rubber-soled shoes and a jacket to explore the twists and turns through varicolored formations. Good exercise after a long drive.
 
For the last stop before heading back to Salem, I would recommend Spokane, Wash.  Here there are many campground options, some of which are near the Splash Down Family Waterpark - the perfect solution to cooling down after a long journey. There are nine water slides and a couple of hot tubs (for you-know-who). Very reasonably priced, it's the perfect way to unwind before beginning the journey home.
 
Be sure to check out TripTik Travel Planner, as you'll be able to explore all I've suggested as well as many other campground and attraction options along your route.  Then, all that's left to do is brush up on your Karaoke skills so you can lead the camp songs along the way!   We hope you enjoy your trip and will return to AAA TravelViews to tell us about it.
AAA GEM attractions are “must-see” points of interest that offer a Great Experience for Members®. These attractions have been judged to be of exceptional interest and quality by AAA Inspectors.
[National Parks], [Q&A with AAA]
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About the Author

  • Image Laurie Peterson Laurie Peterson is the community manager for AAATravelViews, based in the AAA National Office in Central Florida. Childhood travel and a love of the written word combined for the family saying...

Comments (3)

Submitted by A AAA Inspector, March 23. 2009 17:07
I've driven those routes 4 times Mark, once with children around 9 yrs old. Judy made some great recommendations! The Trip Tik Travel Planner is a great tool for adding those options to your trip.
I'd like to share a few of our favorite activities; perhaps your family would enjoy them also!
There is a little known swimming hole in Yellowstone National Park, just a short drive from the West Entrance(where you'll enter. To find it,on the way to Old Faithful, turn off on Firehole Canyon Drive. This is a 1 mile scenic loop road. About halfway, you'll see a rest stop with access to the Firehole River. There's parking along the road. Water from the geysers spill down to form this river, so the water is actually quite temperate! There are shaded areas that are great for picnicking, just be bear aware!
Another family favorite would include a small variation from Judy's suggestion. When traveling US 191 from West Yellowstone, turn off on US 287 toward Quake Lake/Ennis. This scenic road goes around Hebgen Lake , then to Hebgen Dam. At the Madison River Canyon Earthquake area, there is a visitor center that has a wonderful display and information about an earthquake that devasated this area in the 1960's.
On to Ennis and a leisurely float down the Lower Madison River! If you don't have your own tube or raft, they can be purchased or rented from many places in town. This would probably be an activity where you may want to camp overnight. There are many public campgrounds along the river. The float takes about 2 hours, the water is sort of shallow and because the Madison River is formed by the heated waters from Yellowstone, not cold! Fishing along here is great also!
Lastly, a small detour on the way to the Lewis & Clark Caverns (which is a super fun activity!).
From Ennis, travel 30 minutes to the Historic gold mining towns of Virginia & Nevada Cities. Check them out at: http://www.virginiacitymt.com.
Then on to Whitehall.
After leaving Whitehall, if you need a pit stop,there is a picnic area along a lake about 10 min W on I-90. Get off at the Homestake Lake exit and the spot is not far from the highway.
I could go on & on, but that wouldn't be any fun! This is Lewis & Clark country! Exploration & discovery on your own will help make this a wonderful trip!

Submitted by Heidemarie C., March 23. 2009 23:34
Yellowstone is paradise. I worked for four summers as a tour bus driver/guide and have been back numerous times since. While Yellowstone always was famous for bears, wolves are now one of the biggest wildlife draws. Best place to catch a glimpse of these beautiful elusive creatures is in the Lamar Valley (take the road towards the Northeast Entrance of the Park). Going out in the early morning or at dusk increases your chances to at least hear them howl.

Other things to consider are Ranger led walks or talks, most are family friendly. You can find out more about these events by stopping at a Visitor Center at any of the locations in the Park.

And as an old bus driver/guide, I highly recommend taking a bus tour through the park. The drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the park's history, geology, fauna and flora. You may even get a chance to ride around in one of the vintage touring vehicles which were recently refurbished.

And I encourage you to chat with the employees in the park. They will be able to share with you some of their favorite places.

Have fun . . . wish I was going with you.



Submitted by 007swz, March 24. 2009 08:44
there is a visitor center that has a wonderful display and information about an earthquake that devasated this area in the 1960's.

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