Cody to Spokane Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The route from Cody, Wyoming to Spokane, Washington spans approximately 680 miles along US-14, I-90, and US-395, with a driving time of 10–12 hours excluding stops. This journey crosses the Continental Divide, traverses the Bighorn Basin, and cuts through the Rocky Mountains before descending into the Columbia Plateau. A notable geographic quirk: at the Wyoming-Montana border near Bearcreek, US-14 passes through a short tunnel where the elevation drops 500 feet in two miles, an abrupt transition from alpine to arid prairie.

Fuel stations become sparse between Cody and Greybull (approx. 60-mile gap), and again between Butte and Missoula on I-90 near Drummond. Gas prices rise by 10–20 cents per gallon in smaller towns like Lovell and St. Regis. Toll-free all the way.

• Suggested fuel stops: Cody, WY (exit 12); Lovell, WY (US-14); Billings, MT (I-90 exit 450); Butte, MT (exit 127); Missoula, MT (exit 105).
• Restrooms available at all rest areas along I-90; Wyoming rest areas on US-14 are fewer.
• Cell coverage: AT&T and Verizon work well in towns; dead zones between Greybull and Lovell, and near Lookout Pass.

The best stops Cody, WY to Spokane, WA include the Bighorn National Forest for hiking and the Clark Fork River for picnics. How long to drive Cody, WY to Spokane, WA? Plan 11 hours of wheel time, but many travelers stretch it to two days. Is it worth driving Cody, WY to Spokane, WA? Absolutely—the evolving landscapes, from red rock canyons to pine forests to basalt cliffs, make it a photographer's delight.

To discover unconventional points of interest, consult our resource on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Things to do between Cody, WY and Spokane, WA range from visiting ghost towns to wine tasting in the Walla Walla Valley (a slight detour).

From Cody, the road climbs through Shoshone National Forest, where the Absaroka Range’s jagged peaks dominate the skyline. The Bighorn Basin offers a stark contrast: badlands and sagebrush. After Billings, I-90 runs along the Yellowstone River, then ascends to the Beartooth Highway entrance (US-212 turnoff).

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (south of the route) and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House in Billings (not UNESCO but a national landmark).
• Climatic conditions: Winter (Nov–Apr) brings snow on passes; summer (Jun–Sep) is dry with temperatures up to 90°F in basins. Spring and fall are mild with occasional rain.
• Route aesthetics: The stretch from St. Regis to Lookout Pass on I-90 is considered one of the most scenic interstate drives in Montana, with the St. Regis River paralleling the road.

Culinary Infrastructure: Cody offers classic Wyoming steakhouse fare (try the bison burger at The Irma). Billings has a burgeoning farm-to-table scene (e.g., Fieldhouse Cafe). In Missoula, craft breweries and food trucks dominate (KettleHouse Brewing Co.). Spokane’s Perry District is known for eclectic eateries and coffee shops.

Infrastructure Safety: I-90 is well-maintained with wide shoulders; US-14 between Cody and Greybull is two-lane with occasional potholes and no guardrails near cliffs. Speed limits: 70 mph on I-90, 65 mph on US-14. Wildlife—deer, elk, and antelope—are common near dawn and dusk.

• Family and Child Suitability: The Bighorn National Forest has easy trails (e.g., Sibley Lake Nature Trail). The Moss Mansion in Billings offers kid-friendly tours. In Missoula, the Aerial Fire Depot is a hit with children.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest areas allow leashed pets. Recommended stops for exercise: Chief Plenty Coups State Park (Pryor, MT) has a designated dog area; Coeur d'Alene’s Tubbs Hill is dog-friendly.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: The ghost town of Kirwin, WY (accessible by high-clearance vehicle) and the Bannack State Park ghost town near Dillon, MT.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan stops every 2 hours. Billings, MT (mile 450) has a large rest area, as does Butte (mile 127). A recommended overnight stop is Butte—the historic Toadstool Geologic Site offers a short, surreal walk among hoodoos. Alternatively, Missoula has ample lodging near the university.