Coeur d'Alene to Buffalo: Epic Northern Rockies Road Trip

This road trip traces the historic route of US-20 and I-90, crossing the Bitterroot Range and the high plains of Wyoming. The drive spans approximately 800 miles and takes 12-14 hours without stops, but you'll want to stretch it over several days.

The route passes through three distinct geological provinces: the Idaho Panhandle's glacial lakes, Montana's Rocky Mountain front, and the Powder River Basin's rolling hills. One curious fact: near Butte, Montana, the Continental Divide splits twice, creating a unique triple-watershed area where water can flow to the Pacific, Atlantic, or Hudson Bay.

To maximize your experience, plan stops at least every two hours. Key highways include I-90 from Coeur d'Alene to Butte, then I-94/US-212 to Buffalo. For alternative scenery, consider the Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Yellowstone, though it's weather-dependent.

For more tips on planning stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins with Coeur d'Alene Lake, a 25-mile-long glacial lake surrounded by pine forests. Stop at Mineral Ridge Trail for panoramic views. As you cross into Montana, the Bitterroot Mountains rise to the south.

Missoula sits in a valley carved by glacial Lake Missoula. The Clark Fork River runs through town; kayak or walk the Kim Williams Trail. Butte is a historic copper mining city; tour the Berkley Pit and observe the world's largest toxic lake.

• Natural highlights: Beartooth Highway (if open), Bighorn Mountains, Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.
• Local products: Montana huckleberries, Wyoming bison jerky, Idaho wine.
• Cultural stops: Little Bighorn Battlefield (south of Billings), Buffalo's Occidental Hotel.

UNESCO sites near the route: none directly on the highway, but Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a detour from Cody. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning red rock canyons.

Climatic conditions vary: Coeur d'Alene is mild (60-80°F summer), Montana is arid and hot (90°F+ in July), and Wyoming is windy and semi-arid. Spring and fall offer mild temps and fewer crowds.

Road safety is generally high. Watch for wildlife: deer, elk, and antelope at dawn/dusk. The worst sections are windy two-lane roads east of Sheridan. Keep emergency kit and water.

Family-friendly stops include the Missoula Children's Theatre, Butte's Our Lady of the Rockies statue, and the Buffalo Historical Center. Kids will enjoy the dinosaur fossils in the Powder River Basin.

• Playgrounds: Many rest areas have small playgrounds. Larger parks in Missoula, Butte, Billings.
• Diaper changing: Available at most gas stations and rest areas.
• Car entertainment: Audiobooks about Lewis and Clark or dinosaur tracks.

Pet-friendly framework: Most motels allow pets for a fee. Many national forests allow dogs on trails. Rest stops have designated pet areas. Carry vaccination records.

Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. The best rest areas are Lookout Pass (ID/MT border) and Little America (WY). Consider an overnight in Billings (midpoint) or Sheridan (closer to Buffalo).

Hidden off-route spots: Garnet Ghost Town (20 mi north of Missoula), Lewis and Clark Caverns (50 mi east of Butte), and the Devils Tower (2 hr detour from Buffalo).

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-90 but sparse on US-212 east of Billings. Plan to fill up in Coeur d'Alene, Missoula, Butte, Billings, and Sheridan. Diesel is widely available at truck stops.

Road conditions are generally good, but mountain passes (Lookout Pass, Homestake Pass) can have snow from October to May. Check MDT and WYDOT road reports. Speed limits range from 65-80 mph.

• Best fuel prices: Usually near larger towns; avoid highway-only stations.
• Toll roads: None on this route.
• Rest areas: ID has 6 rest areas, MT has 26, WY has 10. Most are open 24/7.

Accommodations range from budget motels to historic lodges. Book ahead in summer, especially near Yellowstone. Cell coverage: AT&T and Verizon are reliable in towns; dead zones exist in mountain stretches.

Weather can change rapidly. Carry chains between November and March. The highest point is Homestake Pass at 6,329 ft. Be prepared for altitude effects if not acclimated.