Epic Road Trip from Beaverton to Fort Collins via Caribou-Targhee and Yellowstone National Parks

Day 1: Drive & Explore Caribou-Targhee

Beaverton, Oregon to Caribou-Targhee National Park, Idaho on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Neverland Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this cozy Beaverton favorite, offering fresh coffee and breakfast classics to fuel your drive.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Caribou-Targhee National Park

Begin your scenic drive eastward; the journey covers approximately 650 miles and takes about 10 hours with stops. Enjoy stunning landscapes en route.
USD0, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trailcreek Cabin

Enjoy a rustic dinner close to the Caribou-Targhee entrance, savoring hearty American fare in a comfortable mountain setting.
USD30, 1.5h

Day 2: Caribou-Targhee to Yellowstone

Caribou-Targhee National Park, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bear Lake Lodge

Enjoy breakfast with lake views at one of the park’s iconic lodges, open from 7am to 10am, perfect for fueling your adventurous day.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Caribou-Targhee Highlights

Hike the Beaver Creek Trail or enjoy wildlife viewing around the picturesque lake and mountain settings before heading out.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Travel approximately 100 miles east to Yellowstone’s west entrance, a scenic drive taking around 2.5 hours.
USD0, 2.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Madison Junction General Store

Grab a quick bite from the general store; they offer sandwiches and snacks perfect for a picnic in Yellowstone.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour

Visit attractions such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Fountain Paint Pot; park open 24 hours but visitor centers 8am-6pm.
USD35 vehicle fee, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Dine in historic surroundings with a menu featuring local and seasonal dishes; reservation recommended.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 3: Yellowstone to Fort Collins

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming to Fort Collins, Colorado on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yellowstone Lodge Cafeteria

Enjoy an early breakfast inside the park before departing; the cafeteria opens at 7am and offers a variety of options.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Departure for Fort Collins

Embark on the approximately 480-mile drive south to Fort Collins, Colorado, estimated at 8 hours by car.
USD0, 8h

12:30pm

Lunch Stop in Rawlins, Wyoming

Stop for lunch at Red Lion Cafe offering classic American meals, open daily from 7am to 8pm, a good halfway break point.
USD20, 1h

4:30pm

Resume Drive to Fort Collins

Continue the scenic route through southern Wyoming into northern Colorado, watching for changing landscape and wildlife.
USD0, 3.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Bistro

Enjoy a cozy dinner in downtown Fort Collins featuring artisanal cheeses, wine, and small plates to celebrate your journey’s end.
USD35, 1.5h