Dosar

Planning a drive from Seattle to West Yellowstone (two days in May) and hesitating which road to take - northern via Missoula (I-90) or south via Boise (I-84). Which way is more scenic and pleasant to drive? Will appreciate your recommendations.

happytrailstoyou

The northern route is quite scenic most of the way, whereas, for me, the southern route is most scenic from Seattle to Boise.

On the northern route you also have the opportunity to get off I-90 to explore Philipsburg, Anaconda, and Virginia City, which is worth doing.

HTtY

Gardyloo

My preference is I-90, with an overnight (if you need one) in Coeur d'Alene or Missoula. Or push through past Butte, have a memorable steak dinner at the Land of Magic, and collapse happy in Bozeman, making the next day a short one.

Sorry, something of a fixation. http://www.landofmagicsteakhouse.com/home.aspx

tomfuller

Did you want to drive into the National Park or just get to West Yellowstone?
If this is with a rental car, I'd take the train to Whitefish MT rent a car and then drive south to West Yellowstone.
The Empire Builder leaves Seattle in the afternoon and is in Spokane about midnight and is in Whitefish before 8AM MT.

Dosar

Thanks all for your recommendations. So far the northern route is winning. Actually my plans are upon visiting Yellowstone to continue to the east and reach Mt. Rushmore and Badlands, then turn to the south to visit Colorado and finish my trip in San Francisco driving thru Utah and Nevada.

Happytrailstoyou: please explain why do you think Anaconda and Virginia City worth visiting. I like to change routes while driving and won't mind to jump aside to see interesting places.

Gardyloo: I've been thinking that Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo TX was the best steakhouse in the States but will be glad to stop and try steaks in Land of Magic if I am passing by))

Thanks again.

happytrailstoyou

Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Virginia City are worth visiting because they are historic towns. Visiting them gives a glimpse of Montana's past off the Interstate.

HTtY

NorthwestMale

I sorta feel that the Boise route is more scenic and pleasant to drive.

But it is no easy decision which path to take.

I'd much prefer to stay in Boise than Missoula, and each are not far from 500 miles away after a long day of driving.

I might alter the Boise path to go to the Columbia River on I-90, and only then turn south toward Tri Cities before joining the interstates again.

You also get a couple of realistic choices for paths between Mountain Home, Idaho and Idaho Falls.

It's a tough call.