Two-Week Road Trip Itinerary: Minneapolis to Compton, Eureka, and Walla Walla with National & State Parks

Day 1: Minneapolis to Badlands National Park, SD

Morning: Depart from Minneapolis early and head towards Badlands National Park. Enjoy scenic views of rugged landscapes and prairie.

Afternoon: Explore the park’s hiking trails including the Notch Trail and visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn about the area’s geology and wildlife.

Evening: Drive to a nearby town (e.g., Wall, SD) for dinner and rest.

Day 2: Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore & Black Hills, SD

Morning: Visit the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial and take the Freedom Trail walk around the monument.

Afternoon: Launch a scenic drive through the Black Hills National Forest and explore Custer State Park, spotting wildlife like bison.

Evening: Overnight in the area, enjoying local cuisine in Keystone or Rapid City.

Day 3: Black Hills to Yellowstone National Park (part 1), WY

Morning: Drive towards Yellowstone National Park, entering from the east entrance near Cody, WY.

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and enjoy viewpoints like Artist Point and Upper Falls.

Evening: Stay inside Yellowstone or nearby lodging in Cody.

Day 4: Yellowstone National Park (part 2)

Morning: Explore the geyser basins including Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin trails.

Afternoon: Visit Mammoth Hot Springs terraces and take a short hike.

Evening: Relax at the lodge or campground with a chance to see wildlife at dusk.

Day 5: Yellowstone to Crater Lake National Park, OR

Morning: Begin a long drive west toward Crater Lake National Park.

Afternoon: Arrive and take in the breathtaking views of the lake, with stops at the Rim Drive viewpoints.

Evening: Stay overnight near Crater Lake or in nearby Klamath Falls.

Day 6: Crater Lake to Eureka, CA

Morning: Head to Eureka, enjoying a drive through beautiful Northern California scenery, including parts of the Redwood National and State Parks.

Afternoon: Visit Redwood National Park, hike among ancient towering trees, and explore the Lady Bird Johnson Grove.

Evening: Explore historic downtown Eureka and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Explore Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Morning: Drive into Humboldt Redwoods State Park and walk the famous Avenue of the Giants.

Afternoon: Enjoy hiking trails or a picnic by the Eel River in the park.

Evening: Return to Eureka for rest and local events if available.

Day 8: Eureka to Walla Walla, WA (travel day with stops)

Morning: Leave early, stopping at scenic spots like Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington for a visitor center visit and short trail.

Afternoon: Continue the drive to Walla Walla, known for wineries and charming downtown.

Evening: Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner in town.

Day 9: Walla Walla Exploration & Nearby Parks

Morning: Visit local wine tasting rooms or the Fort Walla Walla Museum.

Afternoon: Explore nearby Palouse Falls State Park for nature views and a short hike.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a vineyard or local farm-to-table restaurant.

Day 10: Walla Walla to Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Morning: Drive northwest to Mount Rainier National Park.

Afternoon: Visit the Paradise area, hike short trails such as the Nisqually Vista Trail or Grove of the Patriarchs.

Evening: Overnight near the park or in the nearby town of Enumclaw.

Day 11: Mount Rainier to Portland, OR

Morning: Scenic morning drive from Mount Rainier to Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Afternoon: Stop at Multnomah Falls and hike a nearby trail or two.

Evening: Head into Portland; enjoy dinner and explore the city’s vibrant culture.

Day 12: Portland to Mount St. Helens, WA & on to Long Beach, WA

Morning: Visit Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument for a deeper exploration of the eruption zone.

Afternoon: Drive to Long Beach, WA, enjoy the coastal scenery, beach walks.

Evening: Overnight in Long Beach or nearby accommodations.

Day 13: Long Beach to Compton, CA (long drive day)

Morning: Early departure for the drive south through Oregon and Northern California.

Afternoon: Lunch stop and driver rest breaks; optional quick scenic spot stops.

Evening: Arrive in Compton, CA and settle into your accommodation.

Day 14: Relax & Explore Compton/Los Angeles Area

Morning: Visit local parks or community museums to learn about Compton’s history.

Afternoon: Explore nearby Angeles National Forest for light hiking or nature walks.

Evening: Enjoy a celebratory dinner in the Los Angeles metro area before concluding your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Badlands National Park: 4-5 hours, $30 vehicle entrance fee
• Mount Rushmore & Black Hills: 5-6 hours, $10 per person parking/entrance
• Yellowstone National Park: 2 full days, $35 vehicle pass
• Crater Lake National Park: 4-5 hours, $30 vehicle entrance fee
• Redwood National & State Parks: 1 full day, free entrance
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park: 3-4 hours, $10 parking fee
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: 3-4 hours, $20 per vehicle
• Walla Walla attractions: 4-5 hours, mostly free, winery tastings $10-$20 each
• Palouse Falls State Park: 2 hours, $10 parking fee
• Mount Rainier National Park: 1.5 days, $30 vehicle pass
• Columbia River Gorge & Multnomah Falls: 3-4 hours, free
• Long Beach, WA (beach access): 2-3 hours, free
• Angeles National Forest: 3-4 hours, free

Total Estimated Cost: $195 - $250 (excluding meals, lodging, and fuel)

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding more days at Yellowstone, Crater Lake, or exploring additional wineries in Walla Walla and vineyard tours in Northern California. Alternatively, reduce duration by skipping some longer drives, such as cutting out the Mount Rainier or Columbia Gorge stops and focusing on Yellowstone and the Northern California coast. Booking accommodations in advance during peak seasons is recommended, and planning fuel and meal stops strategically can help maximize sightseeing time.