September Road Trip from Junction City to Bandon via Yellowstone with Budget Hotels

Day 1: Drive & overnight Rapid City

Junction City, KS to Rapid City, SD on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart Junction City

Start early to cover the long drive northwest toward Rapid City, your first overnight stop on route to Yellowstone.
USD0, 8h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at this local favorite, open from 6:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check into Hotel Rapid City

Affordable room at Hotel Rapid City by Magnuson Hotels, typically under $150 per night.
USD140, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Tally's Silver Spoon

Locally praised for innovative American cuisine, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rapid City to Cody

Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Great craft beers and breakfast served from 7:00am, fueling your drive ahead.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Cody

A scenic 4-5 hour drive west, positioning you near Yellowstone’s east entrance.
USD0, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cody Cattle Company

Western style BBQ and hearty meals with local charm.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Explore this multipurpose museum celebrating Western heritage; open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD18, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check into the Irma Hotel

Historic hotel under $180 per night providing authentic Wyoming hospitality.
USD175, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Olive Glenn

Casual dining spot with locally sourced ingredients; open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before entering Yellowstone for a day of natural wonders.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Enter Yellowstone via East Entrance

Exploring geothermal features & wildlife of America’s first national park. Park entrance $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days.
USD35, All day

9:00am

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Catch the famous geyser’s eruption and visit the historic Old Faithful Inn. Visitor center opens early.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Historic lodge serving classic meals with rustic charm, open till 2pm.
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Midway Geyser Basin – Grand Prismatic Spring

Walk the boardwalks to witness vivid geothermal pools.
Included, 2h0m

3:30pm

Drive to West Yellowstone

One-hour drive west for overnight stay outside the park.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in to Gray Wolf Inn & Suites

Comfortable lodging under $180 near park entrance.
USD170, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon

Relaxed atmosphere with pizza and local brews, open until late.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 4: Yellowstone & Drive to Missoula

West Yellowstone to Missoula, MT on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Madison River Brewing Company

Start the day with a local breakfast and craft brews, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Morning exploration in Yellowstone

Optional short hike or visit to nearby geyser basins before departure.
Included, 2h0m

10:30am

Drive to Missoula

Scenic 3-hour drive to Missoula, MT.
USD0, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Catalyst Cafe

Well-reviewed spot offering fresh and healthy lunches downtown.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Learn about elk conservation, open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check into Holiday Inn Missoula

Quality hotel with reasonable rates under $180 per night.
USD160, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pearl Café

Northwestern cuisine with local flair, open until 9:00pm.
USD35, 1h0m
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Day 5: Missoula to Spokane

Missoula, MT to Spokane, WA on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Catalyst Cafe

Return for another great breakfast before travel.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Spokane

About 3.5-hour drive west across scenic mountain landscapes.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Atticus Coffee & Gifts

Cozy cafe with excellent sandwiches and coffee.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Riverfront Park

Beautiful park with Spokane Falls, great for walking and photos, open year-round.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into La Quinta by Wyndham Spokane

Affordable hotel with good amenities under $180 nightly.
USD160, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar

Upscale dining featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h0m
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Day 6: Spokane to Bend

Spokane, WA to Bend, OR on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Frank’s Diner

Local favorite diner in Spokane open at 6:30am with hearty breakfast specialties.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bend

Long 6-hour drive south through beautiful forests and mountains of Oregon.
USD0, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch stop (packed or local cafe)

Quick lunch to stay on schedule; options include local cafes along route or packed lunch.
USD15, 0h45m

5:00pm

Check into Oxford Hotel Bend

Comfortable boutique hotel under $180 per night in downtown Bend.
USD175, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Deschutes Brewery

Well-known brewery serving local beers and hearty meals, open until 10pm.
USD35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Explore Bend

Bend, OR on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at McKay Cottage Restaurant

Popular breakfast spot with cozy atmosphere, opens at 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Smith Rock State Park

Iconic rock climbing and hiking destination just outside Bend, great for scenic walks and photos.
USD5 parking fee, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Spork

Creative global fusion dishes made with local ingredients, open for lunch till 3pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Downtown Bend

Boutique shops, local art galleries, and breweries to enjoy in a relaxed afternoon.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

Casual brewery with diverse menus and local brews, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Bend to Bandon

Bend, OR to Bandon, OR on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sweet Rose Creamery

Light breakfast options and great local ice cream in the morning, opens at 7:30am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Bandon

Approximately 3.5-hour scenic drive to coastal Bandon, Oregon.
USD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tony's Crab Shack

Famous for fresh seafood and river views, a must-try local spot.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Check into Bandon Inn

Comfortable ocean-view hotel under $180 per night.
USD170, Overnight

3:00pm

Explore Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint & Bandon Beach

Relax and photograph stunning coastal views, a peaceful natural spot.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lord Bennett’s Restaurant & Lounge

Wood-fired steaks and seafood with cozy ambiance, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Coastal Relaxation

Bandon, OR on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Portside Coffee Roasters

Local café offering great coffee and light breakfast, opens 7:00am.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Coquille River Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse open for free viewing and nearby walking trails.
USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Bandon Farmers Market

Seasonal local market available early September featuring fresh produce and crafts.
USD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Alloro Wine Bar & Restaurant

Italian-inspired dining with local ingredients, open noon to 3pm.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon at Bullards Beach State Park

Relax on sandy beaches, picnic, and enjoy peaceful coastal nature.
USD0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Table Restaurant

Locally sourced seasonal menu with excellent wines, open till 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Bandon to Coos Bay & North Coast

Bandon, OR to Coos Bay, OR on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Green Lotus Cafe

Healthy and fresh options to start the day, opens at 7:00am.
USD18, 1h0m

8:45am

Drive to Coos Bay

Short 30-minute scenic drive north for coastal sightseeing.
USD0, 0h30m

9:30am

Explore Shore Acres State Park

Beautiful gardens and ocean views, perfect for morning walks.
USD5 parking fee, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue Heron Bistro

Coastal seafood and American dishes, open till 2pm.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Coos Art Museum

Featuring Pacific Northwest art, open 10am-5pm.
USD10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Bandon for overnight

Drive back (30 min) to Bandon to relax and prepare for next day.
USD0, 0h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Bandon Pizza Co.

Local pizzeria favored by residents, casual, open till 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 11: Leisure Day in Bandon

Bandon, OR on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Coffee Café

Bright and friendly café, great coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Golf at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

If interested, book a morning tee time at world-renowned golf courses (reserve in advance).
Prices vary, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ed’s Seafood Restaurant

Classic seafood spot along the bay with fresh dishes and casual atmosphere.
USD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax and explore local shops and galleries

Enjoy browsing unique artisan crafts and coastal souvenirs.
USD0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Face Rock Creamery

Casual dining that features artisanal cheeses and simple but delicious dishes.
USD30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Prepare for Eugene

Bandon, OR on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Portside Coffee Roasters

Grab your last morning coffee and light breakfast in Bandon.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Leisure time for last-minute beach walks

Stroll along the pristine beaches or visit favorite local spots one last time.
USD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Tony’s Crab Shack

Enjoy one last fresh seafood meal before heading to Eugene.
USD30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Eugene, OR

Approximate 2.5-hour drive east to Eugene for rental car return.
USD0, 2h30m

3:30pm

Check into a hotel near Eugene Airport

Stay at a well-rated hotel under $180 for convenience of early next day's flight.
USD170, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Marche

Upscale European bistro near Eugene airport, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Eugene & Car Drop-off

Eugene, OR on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vero Espresso House

Local café with artisanal coffee and pastries, opens at 7:00am.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Hendricks Park

Beautiful Rhododendron garden and walking trails, great for a morning stroll.
USD0, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Cornbread Cafe

Vegan-friendly soulful southern cuisine, open until 3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return rental car at Eugene Airport

Drop off rental car by 5:00pm as planned, giving time for any queues.
USD0, 0h30m
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