13-Day West Coast Road Trip: Columbia to Bozeman, Glacier, Olympic, Cascade Highlights, and Return via Salt Lake City

Day 1: Journey Begins

Columbia, MO to Scottsbluff, NE on April 22, 2025

1:00PM

Depart Columbia, MO

Begin your road trip heading northwest towards Nebraska, targeting roughly 8-10 hours of driving.
FREE, 8h0m

9:00PM

Overnight in Scottsbluff, NE

Rest for the night in Scottsbluff, a convenient stop en route to Bozeman with various lodging options.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 2: Arrival Bozeman

Bozeman, MT on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jam! in Bozeman

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Jam!, known for delicious pancakes and creative menu options, open from 7:00AM.
USD15, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Bozeman, MT

Continue driving northwest from Scottsbluff to Bozeman, MT, approximately 6 hours drive.
FREE, 6h

4:00PM

Explore downtown Bozeman

Walk around downtown Bozeman, visit local shops, galleries, and soak in the vibrant mountain town vibe.
FREE, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Montana Ale Works

Dine at a popular local brewpub offering a great selection of beers and hearty meals, open until 10:00PM.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Glacier National Park

Bozeman, MT to Glacier National Park, MT on April 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Nova Cafe, Bozeman

Start early with coffee and a fresh breakfast at Nova Cafe, known for excellent baked goods.
USD12, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Glacier National Park

Drive north about 5 hours to Glacier National Park, enjoy scenic views en route.
FREE, 5h

2:00PM

Glacier National Park visit

Explore key sights such as Logan Pass and Lake McDonald; the park is open year-round, but some roads may be closed in April due to snow - check conditions live.
USD35 per vehicle, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Glacier Highland Restaurant, West Glacier

Enjoy American cuisine at this cozy spot near Glacier Park, open until 8:00PM.
USD30, 1h
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Day 4: Yakima & Surroundings

Glacier National Park, MT to Yakima, WA on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at Glacier Park Inn

Buffet breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before heading west.
USD15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Yakima, WA

Long drive approximately 7 hours to Yakima, exploring central Washington’s landscapes.
FREE, 7h

3:30PM

Visit Debbie Dolittle's Petting Zoo

Fun interactive petting zoo for all ages, check seasonal opening times but generally open by late March through October, 10:00AM – 5:00PM weekdays; confirm availability in afternoon.
USD10, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse

Enjoy farm-to-table dining experience specializing in local ingredients, open until 9:00PM.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Olympic National Park

Yakima, WA to Olympic National Park, WA on April 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Loca Lula's, Yakima

Try this popular café in Yakima serving great coffee and pastries, opens at 7:00AM.
USD12, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Olympic National Park

Approximately 4-hour drive west towards the Olympic National Park entrance (Port Angeles side).
USD30 park entrance per vehicle, 4h

1:00PM

Explore Hurricane Ridge

Visit Hurricane Ridge visitor center and enjoy easy hikes with stunning mountain views, open year-round, visitor center opens 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
FREE with entrance fee, 2h

3:00PM

Visit Lake Crescent

A short drive to the lake with walking trails and scenic views, perfect for photos and easy exploration.
FREE, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner in Port Angeles at Next Door Gastropub

Relax with locally sourced dishes and craft beers in this cozy gastropub, open until 9:00PM.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Mount Rainier Day

Olympic National Park, WA to Mount Rainier, WA on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Port Angeles Eatery

Hearty breakfast to prepare for the day, opens at 7:00AM.
USD15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Approximate 2.5-hour drive to Mount Rainier National Park entrance.
USD30 park entrance per vehicle, 2h30m

11:00AM

Explore Paradise area

Visit Paradise Center, hiking trails and visitor information; seasonally accessible, check road conditions. Visitor center open 9:00AM – 5:00PM.
FREE with entrance, 3h

2:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Inn (if open seasonally)

Casual dining offering classic American fare in a historic lodge setting.
USD20, 1h

4:00PM

Drive towards Snoqualmie Falls

About 2-hour drive west toward Snoqualmie Falls near Seattle.
FREE, 2h

6:30PM

Visit Snoqualmie Falls

View the iconic 268-foot waterfall from viewpoints, open year-round and free access.
FREE, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at The Attic at Salish Lodge & Spa

Dinner with a view of Snoqualmie Falls; the restaurant serves Pacific Northwest cuisine, open until 9:00PM.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Seattle Exploration

Snoqualmie Falls area to Seattle, WA on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast near Snoqualmie at The Woodhouse Day Spa Café

Light breakfast options with coffee to start the day.
USD12, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to The Museum of Flight, Seattle

About 40-minute drive from Snoqualmie to Seattle's Museum of Flight.
USD25 per person, 40m

10:00AM

The Museum of Flight

Explore one of the largest air and space museums in the world, open 10:00AM – 5:00PM Tuesday through Sunday.
USD25, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at The Pink Door

Enjoy Italian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere near Pike Place Market, open 11:30AM – 10:00PM.
USD30, 1h

2:30PM

Stroll Pike Place Market

Explore Seattle’s famous historic market, viewing fresh produce, crafts and street performances.
FREE, 2h

5:00PM

Early Dinner at Elysian Fields Brewery

Relax with craft beers and pub fare in South Lake Union, open until 9:00PM.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Columbia River Gorge & Cannon Beach

Seattle, WA to Cannon Beach, OR via Columbia River Gorge on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light and early breakfast before heading south.
USD12, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Columbia River Gorge

Approximate 3-hour drive south along I-5 then east on I-84 to the Gorge area.
FREE, 3h

11:00AM

Visit Multnomah Falls

Iconic waterfall with easy accessible viewing platforms, open year-round with no entrance fee.
FREE, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge

Casual lunch with views of the falls, open 11:00AM – 4:00PM shoulder season.
USD20, 1h

1:30PM

Drive to Cannon Beach, OR

About 1.5-hour scenic drive west to the Oregon Coast.
FREE, 1h30m

3:00PM

Explore Cannon Beach

Walk the beach, view iconic Haystack Rock, and enjoy the charming town atmosphere.
FREE, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market

Local seafood specialties in a cozy setting, open until 8:00PM.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Tillamook and Beyond

Cannon Beach, OR to Tillamook, OR on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, Cannon Beach

Popular spot for coffee and light breakfast items, opens at 7:00AM.
USD10, 1h

9:15AM

Drive to Tillamook, OR

About 45-minute drive south along the coast.
FREE, 45m

10:00AM

Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour

Sample and learn about Tillamook’s famous cheese production; open 9:00AM – 6:00PM daily.
FREE, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Blue Heron French Cheese Company

Enjoy artisan cheese and a deli-style lunch, open 11:00AM – 6:00PM.
USD20, 1h

1:30PM

Drive to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Short 15-minute drive to see the lighthouse and impressive ocean views.
FREE, 1h

3:00PM

Return towards Crater Lake area, overnight near Roseburg, OR

About 3.5-hour drive southeast providing good rest to approach Crater Lake next day.
FREE, 3h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant Roseburg

Choose a local dining option for a relaxing evening.
USD25, 1h
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Day 10: Crater Lake Adventure

Roseburg, OR to Crater Lake National Park, OR on May 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Early start with a light breakfast.
USD12, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Crater Lake National Park

Approximate 2.5-hour drive to the park entrance for springtime exploration.
USD30 park entrance per vehicle, 2h30m

11:00AM

Explore Crater Lake Rim Drive and Visitor Center

Crater Lake National Park offers breathtaking views; in April/May snow may limit access to some areas - check ranger updates. Visitor Center open daily 9AM-5PM.
FREE with entrance, 3h

2:30PM

Picnic Lunch with views

Pack lunch or grab from nearby facilities for a picnic overlooking the lake.
USD15, 1h

3:30PM

Short hikes around the rim

Enjoy easy hiking trails like the Watchman Trail for spectacular lookout points.
FREE, 2h

6:00PM

Drive to overnight accommodation near Medford, OR

About 2-hour drive south, settle for the night near Medford.
FREE, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Porters

Casual dining in Medford with wide menu and relaxed atmosphere.
USD25, 1h
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Day 11: Drive to Salt Lake City

Medford, OR to Salt Lake City, UT on May 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Medford hotel

Fuel up with a hotel buffet or nearby café.
USD12, 1h

8:00AM

Long drive day to Salt Lake City

Approximately 9-hour drive through Oregon and Idaho towards Utah, plan breaks as needed.
FREE, 9h

5:00PM

Hotel check-in Salt Lake City

Check into accommodation and rest after the long drive.
Varies, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Red Iguana

Famous for authentic Mexican food in Salt Lake City, open late until 10:00PM weekdays.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 12: Salt Lake & Departure Start

Salt Lake City, UT to Columbia, MO on May 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Park Café

Popular local café serving hearty breakfast fare, opens at 7:00AM.
USD15, 1h

8:00AM

Begin drive back to Columbia, MO

Long drive eastbound, approx. 16 hours split as needed. Plan necessary stops overnight en route.
FREE, 16h (split)
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Day 13: Arrival Home

On the road to Columbia, MO / Arrival on May 4, 2025

Morning

Continue drive to Columbia, MO

Complete remaining journey home safely, resting as needed.
FREE, Varies
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