BlueSkies17

I'll be visiting Yosemite NP in August and would love, love, love to see Yellowstone NP before heading north to the Northern Cascades in Washington. From there we plan to visit the San Juan Islands, Olympic, and visit Seattle. I understand that it is going to be a haul from Yosemite to Yellowstone, but there are three of us to break up the driving. While google maps is always useful, any personal experiences or advice would be greatly welcomed! Is this even practical? Should I skip it and just head to Washington from Yosemite? We've allotted for about two days in Yellowstone, possibly three, and about two to two and a half weeks for the entire trip. Thank you so much!!

happytrailstoyou

If you drive from Yosemite to Yellowstone, don't skip Grand Teton National Park which is beautiful in a way Yellowstone isn't.

However, if you haven't been to Oregon, it is on your way to Washington and it has several attractions worth your attention including Crater Lake, the coast, and the Columbia River Gorge.

Also on your way to the North Cascades is Mt. Rainier--a place of major interest that you do not mention on your itinerary.

If you make the detour to Yellowstone, you will sacrifice the opportunity to check out other extremely worthwhile alternatives.

HTtY

tomfuller

It is 10.5 to 11 hours through some very desolate country from Yosemite via Tioga Pass to Twin Falls Idaho. From Twin Falls take US 26 out of Idaho Falls to tie into US191 in Wyoming to go north through Teton and Yellowstone. Yellowstone far outranks North Cascade IMO.

spirobulldog

Yellowstone is probably my all time favorite. But, your trying to do way to much in 2 weeks, IMOP. There is plenty of other great stuff to see. Not nearly as good as Yellowstone, but certainly an outstanding place without the crowds is Mt. Lassen. And it's on the way from Yosemite to Washington. I enjoyed North Cascades, but Mt. Rainier in August is really amazing. The wildflowers are 2nd to none.

Katzgar

Yellowstone should be the one thing you absolutely have to see.

spirobulldog

Yellowstone probably is a better idea. For me, the waterfalls are one of the main attractions at Yosemite. In August(especially this year), they are likely to be bone dry.

I just wouldn't rush Yosemite and you really need 4 days at the min. for Yellowstone/Tetons. A week would be better. There is that much to see and do there.