United States to United States
The North Cascades Highway east, then the shelf road under the hanging valleys of Glacier.
Direct
900 km
559.2 mi
Scenic route
1080 km
671.1 mi
Days
3
about 9.5 hr direct
Tolls
£25
one way, per car
The drive
Two of the best mountain roads in the United States sit at either end of this drive, and the bit in between crosses eastern Washington and Idaho at pace.
The North Cascades Highway is closed from November to April, so this is a summer trip. Going to the Sun Road opens even later, usually late June.
Book the Going to the Sun vehicle reservation before you leave. Without it you will be turned round at the gate.
July to mid September, once Logan Pass is open.
Where to break the drive
Winthrop
Eastern end of the North Cascades Highway.
Sandpoint
Lakeside halfway stop in Idaho.
Whitefish
The best base for Glacier's west side.
Questions
About 900 km, roughly 559.2 miles, by the most direct route. The scenic version described here runs closer to 1080 km.
Around 9.5 hours of driving on the direct route, which most people split over two days. The scenic route takes 3 days without rushing.
Budget about £25 one way per car in tolls, vignettes and crossings, before fuel and hotels.
July to mid September, once Logan Pass is open.
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