Scenic Seattle to Glacier National Park Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Seattle to Spokane

Seattle, USA to Spokane, USA on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café, Seattle

Enjoy a Dutch baby pancake or a delicious eggs benedict at this popular breakfast spot open from 7:00am to 3:00pm, perfect to fuel up before the drive.

USD15-25, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Seattle to Spokane

Set out on the approximately 4.5-hour scenic drive east via I-90, passing through Snoqualmie and the Columbia River Gorge region.

Fuel cost approx. USD40, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Frank's Diner, Spokane

Dine in a unique vintage railcar diner serving hearty American comfort food, open from 7:00am to 9:00pm.

USD10-20, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Riverfront Park

Explore Spokane’s waterfront park featuring the iconic Spokane Falls and a scenic ride on the SkyRide gondola, park open until dusk.

Free, SkyRide USD8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wild Sage American Bistro

Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a cozy atmosphere, open until 9:00pm.

USD25-40, 1h30m

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Day 2: Spokane to Glacier Park Entry

Spokane, USA to West Glacier, USA on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Atticus Coffee & Gifts

Light breakfast and premium coffee in a charming bookshop setting, open from 7:00am onwards.

USD10-15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Spokane to Glacier National Park (West Entrance)

Travel approximately 4.5 hours through scenic Montana landscapes on US-2 and MT-206 to reach Glacier National Park’s west entrance.

Fuel approx. USD40, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at West Glacier Longhorn Saloon

Casual diners offering burgers and local fare, perfect for a quick refuel, open 11am to 9pm.

USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Lake McDonald

Explore the largest lake in the park with beautiful trails and boat rentals, open during daylight hours. Ideal for stunning photos and light hiking.

Park entrance USD35 per vehicle (valid 7 days), 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax at Lake McDonald Lodge

Historic lodge offering rustic charm accommodations right on the lake.

Varies, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy Northwest cuisine with lake views, open for dinner until 9:00pm.

USD30-50, 1h30m

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Day 3: Explore Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, USA on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lake McDonald Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast inside the lodge restaurant, open from 7:00am.

USD15-25, 1h

8:30am

Take the spectacular scenic drive early to avoid crowds; the road features amazing vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife. Opening times vary, usually accessible from late May onward — check park alerts for exact opening dates.

Included in park pass, 4h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass Visitor Centre

Grab takeaway sandwiches from the deli before the drive or pack your own lunch to enjoy at the highest point of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

USD10-20, 1h

1:30pm

Hiking Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Take a moderate 3-mile hike starting from Logan Pass to breathtaking alpine meadows and possible mountain goat sightings, trail open seasonally but accessible in mid-May depending on snow conditions.

Included, 2h