Walla Walla to Buffalo Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

Driving from Walla Walla, WA to Buffalo, WY is a 540-mile odyssey that traces the historic Bozeman Trail and the Lewis and Clark route. Heading east on US-12, you'll climb through the Blue Mountains and descend into the Palouse's wheat fields, then merge onto I-90 at Spokane for a straight shot across the Idaho Panhandle and Montana. Near Billings, you'll turn south on US-87 through the Bighorn Mountains, reaching Buffalo just past the Little Bighorn Battlefield. The drive takes about 9 hours without stops, but you'll want to linger at the many attractions along the way.

This guide answers the key questions: best stops Walla Walla, WA to Buffalo, WY; how long to drive Walla Walla, WA to Buffalo, WY; is it worth driving Walla Walla, WA to Buffalo, WY; and things to do between Walla Walla, WA and Buffalo, WY. For more on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary highways are US-12 east to I-90, then I-90 east to I-94/US-87 at Billings, and finally US-87 south to Buffalo. The entire route is well-paved, with most sections being four-lane divided highways. Notable exits and landmarks include:

• Mile 0: Walla Walla, WA (46.0670° N, 118.3397° W) - start on US-12.
• Mile 150: Spokane, WA (47.6588° N, 117.4260° W) - junction with I-90.
• Mile 370: Butte, MT (46.0038° N, 112.5347° W) - optional detour to historic mining town.
• Mile 500: Billings, MT (45.7833° N, 108.5007° W) - turn onto US-87 south.
• Mile 620: Buffalo, WY (44.3483° N, 106.6989° W) - end of route.

Fuel stations are abundant along I-90, but sparse on US-87 between Billings and Sheridan. Fill up in Billings (last major city) or at Sheridan, WY (30 miles north of Buffalo). Expect gas prices ~$3.50/gallon in Montana, slightly higher in Washington.

Rest areas are frequent on I-90 (every 30-40 miles), but US-87 has few official stops. Use the rest area at mile 470 (near Hardin, MT) before heading south. Trucks and RVs should note that US-87 through the Bighorn Mountains has steep grades and hairpin turns; check brake temps at the summit.

• Walla Walla elevation: 942 ft - low, mild winters.
• Bighorn Pass elevation: 9,033 ft - snow possible June-Sept.

The route showcases four distinct ecosystems: the Palouse's fertile loess hills, the pine forests of the Idaho Panhandle, Montana's high plains, and the alpine Bighorns. The Palouse near Walla Walla is famous for rolling wheat fields that turn gold in summer and green in spring. Stop at the Palouse Falls (detour 20 miles north of US-12) to see a 200-foot waterfall plunging into a canyon.

In Montana, the landscape opens to endless prairie with distant mountains. Near Crow Agency, visit Little Bighorn Battlefield (US-87, mile 510) to learn about the 1876 conflict. The Bighorn Mountains offer dramatic scenery: switchbacks, alpine meadows, and bighorn sheep. At the summit (US-87, mile 560), pull off at Bighorn Scenic Byway** overlook for panoramic views.

Local commerce along the route ranges from artisan cheese in Walla Walla to Native American crafts in Montana. In Walla Walla, the Walla Walla Valley Wine region is renowned for Syrah and Cabernet; many wineries offer tastings. In Hardin, MT, the Plenty Coups State Park celebrates Crow culture. Buffalo, WY is a gateway to the Bighorn National Forest, with outfitters for hiking and fishing.

• Walla Walla - wine tasting (Waterbrook, Pepper Bridge).
• Spokane - Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls.
• Butte - World Museum of Mining.
• Billings - Pictograph Cave State Park.
• Buffalo - Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on route, but the Yellowstone National Park (2.5 hours south of Buffalo) is a UNESCO site. If detour time allows, consider an extra day. Climatic conditions vary: Walla Walla has semi-arid climate with hot summers (90°F) and cool winters (40°F). Montana plains are windy and prone to thunderstorms; the Bighorns can have snow into June. Best travel months: May-October.

The route is generally safe, but watch for wildlife (deer, elk) in the Bighorns, especially dawn/dusk. On US-87, slow for livestock grazing near private ranches. Snow and ice are possible in the Bighorns from October to April; carry chains. Cell coverage is good along I-90 but spotty on US-87; download offline maps.

Families will enjoy interactive stops: Spokane Children's Museum (mile 150), Billings ZooMontana (mile 500), and the Buffalo Nature Trail (mile 620). Pet-friendly highlights include Manito Park in Spokane (leashed dogs allowed) and numerous rest stops with grassy areas. Always carry water and waste bags for pets.

• Rest zones: I-90 rest areas at mile 210 (Coeur d'Alene), mile 310 (St. Regis), mile 420 (Butte).
• Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours; use coffee shops in Butte (the Pekin Noodle Parlor for a unique break).
• Hidden off-route spots: Garnet Ghost Town near Missoula (detour 30 miles north of I-90) - a preserved mining town.

For culinary infrastructure, Walla Walla offers farm-to-table dining (TMACS for coffee, Whitehouse-Crawford for dinner). Fast food chains cluster at interstate exits. Butte is known for pasties (meat pies) at the Butte Pastry Palace. In Buffalo, try Bear Burger Company for bison burgers.

Local commerce includes art galleries in Walla Walla, antique shops in Spokane's Browne's Addition, and Native American jewelry in Hardin. The route is moderately equipped for families: many motels with pools, but book ahead in summer. Pet-friendly chains (La Quinta, Motel 6) are available in larger towns.