Hello, We are two recent retirees who are traveling to Yellowstone/GTNP in 3 weeks. We had originally planned to fly out of SLC but have now decided to keep our rental car and drive from Jackson to Bend OR. We'll drive several hours, stop overnight and continuing the remaining several hours to Bend. There will not be much time for any in depth sightseeing, but can you suggest the best routes out of Jackson toward Idaho, scenic areas that aren't too far off the main route, stops for meals, where to stay overnight... Boise area? Thanks so much!

Take U.S.20 across Idaho and Oregon. Craters of the Moon would be just a slight detour (the campground is closed for the season as of July 5) and I assume that the road going through it is open.

Thank you Michael! We will plan to stop at Craters of the Moon. And once we get into Oregon, we know it will add a couple hours onto our trip but have decided to take 84 to 97 for better scenery.

If you go by I-84 instead of US 20, stop in Pendleton and see the woolen mill.
Get gas at the Pilot in Biggs. There is not much between Biggs and Madras except the near ghost town of Shaniko.
Shaniko has the oldest active fire hydrant in the state (19th century). Their fire truck stands out in a field.
Bend is a great city. Drive to the top of Pilot Butte to identify the mountains of the Cascades.

Hi tomfuller, We heard about the Pendleton mill and are planning to stop. Once we get into Oregon, other than Pendleton, we'll probably hightail it to Bend as will be so anxious to see our family. By the way, they live very close to Pilot Butte and have taken us up there. We stayed till dusk when the lights of Bend came on - so pretty!