Spokane to Thermopolis: Road Trip Guide through Wyoming's Wild West

The drive from Spokane, Washington to Thermopolis, Wyoming covers 550 miles (885 km) along I-90 E and US-20 E, traversing the rugged Palouse, the Bitterroot Range, and the Bighorn Basin. A little-known fact: the route crosses the 45th parallel—exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole—near Billings, Montana.

This road trip showcases America's geological diversity: from the basalt plains of eastern Washington to the thermal springs of Thermopolis. The journey typically takes 9-10 hours of driving, but plan for at least two days to fully appreciate the attractions.

Highlights include Yellowstone National Park (a slight detour), the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, and the ancient petrified forests of Florissant. The route also passes through historic towns like Livingston and Cody, offering a taste of the Old West.

Keywords: best stops Spokane, WA to Thermopolis, WY, how long to drive Spokane, WA to Thermopolis, WY, is it worth driving Spokane, WA to Thermopolis, WY, things to do between Spokane, WA and Thermopolis, WY.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are plentiful along I-90, but become sparse once you turn onto US-20 in Wyoming. Fill up in Billings or Hardin before heading south. Expect fuel prices to be slightly higher in Montana than in Washington, with national averages around $3.50/gallon.

• Spokane to Missoula: multiple stations at Coeur d'Alene, Kellogg, and St. Regis
• Missoula to Billings: stations every 30-40 miles, but sparse between Butte and Bozeman
• Billings to Thermopolis: only a few stations in Hardin, Greybull, and Thermopolis

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

I-90 is well-maintained and mostly divided highway. US-20 from Cody to Thermopolis is a two-lane road through the Bighorn Basin, with sections of rough pavement and occasional gravel. Snow can linger into May; check road conditions at 511 or Wyoming DOT.

• Montana: no speed limit on rural interstates before 1974? Now 80 mph, but wildlife crossings common
• Wyoming: open range laws apply, cattle and deer often cross US-20; drive cautiously at dusk
• Rest areas: every 50 miles along I-90, but few on US-20; plan bathroom breaks

Family and Child Suitability

This road trip is great for families, with many interactive museums and outdoor spaces. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center allows kids to dig for fossils, and the hot springs in Thermopolis have pools for all ages.

• Pompeys Pillar National Monument (near Billings): kids can climb the rock and see the Lewis and Clark signature
• Pictograph Cave State Park (Billings): ancient rock art easy for children to view
• Hot Springs State Park: free bathhouse, plus a waterslide and swimming pools

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most chain hotels along the route allow pets, but check policies. National forests and BLM land are great for walks. The Beattooth Highway has several pull-offs with trails that allow leashed dogs.

• pet-friendly hotels: La Quinta Inn & Suites in Billings, Best Western in Cody
• dog parks: Riverfront Park in Spokane, South Hill Park in Missoula
• hot springs: Hot Springs State Park does not allow dogs in the pools, but there are grassy areas outside

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Break the drive into segments with designated rest stops. The I-90 corridor has rest areas every 50 miles, but on US-20 they are rare. Use town park signs to stop.

• Recommended rest stops: Lookout Pass (Idaho/Montana), Butte Visitor Center, Hardin City Park
• Fatigue tip: if you feel drowsy, pull off at a rest area for 20 minutes or drink coffee; avoid driving at night due to wildlife

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For exploring how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider these less-traveled sites:

• St. Johns River Falls (near Kellogg, ID): a short hike leads to a 50-ft waterfall
• Lost Creek State Park (Wyoming): just off US-20, offers thermal springs and a boardwalk
• Medicine Wheel (near Lovell): ancient Native American stone circle, accessible by gravel road

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The landscape shifts dramatically: from the pine forests of the Coeur d'Alene region to the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse, then the Bitterroot Valley, and finally the arid badlands of Wyoming. The drive along the Clark Fork River near Missoula is particularly scenic.

• Lookout Pass (I-90): 4,684 ft, Montana-Idaho border, offers skiing in winter
• Beartooth Highway (US-212): optional detour, one of America's most scenic drives, peaks at 10,947 ft
• Pryor Mountains: wild horse range, visible from US-20 near Lovell
• Wind River Canyon: dramatic limestone cliffs just south of Thermopolis

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, Yellowstone National Park (a 2-hour detour from Cody) and the nearby Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta are within reach. However, the route passes through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, a proposed UNESCO site.

Local Commerce & Culture

Thermopolis is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, Hot Springs State Park, where you can soak for free. The town also hosts the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, one of the top fossil museums in North America. Local artisans sell crafts and agates.

• Missoula: independent bookstores, craft breweries, and the University of Montana
• Livingston: fly-fishing hub, galleries, and the historic Livingston Depot Center
• Cody: Buffalo Bill Center of the West, rodeo in summer

Culinary Infrastructure

From Spokane to Thermopolis, you'll find diverse dining. In Washington, farm-to-table eateries; in Montana, steak and game; in Wyoming, hearty cowboy fare. Don't miss the huckleberry treats in Idaho and Montana.

• Spokane: The Wandering Table (seasonal menu)
• Missoula: Plonk (wine bar with great views)
• Bozeman: Blackbird Kitchen (locally sourced)
• Thermopolis: One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company (craft beer and pizza)