Idaho Road Trip from Seattle: Craters, Mountains, Gators, & More!

Total Estimated Costs (for 4 people, sharing costs):

Rental Car (Toyota Camry for 5 people, 3 days): $234 total ($58.50 per person)

Fuel: ~$125-$135 total ($31.25 - $33.75 per person)

Slightly increased to account for added Idaho driving. Calculation based on approx. 1600-1700 miles round trip, 51 MPG for a Camry, and $4.00/gallon.

Accommodation: ~$200 - $320 total ($50 - $80 per person)

Food: ~$300 - $400 total ($75 - $100 per person)

Park Entrance Fees: $0 (with America the Beautiful Pass!)

Total Estimated Cost per person: $214.75 - $272.25

Itinerary: Idaho Adventure (July 3rd - July 6th)
Thursday, July 3rd: The Drive East & Spokane Dinner

Evening (6:00 PM): Depart Seattle. Hit I-90 East.

9:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Dinner in Spokane.

Local Cuisine Idea: For a budget-friendly but local experience, consider Frank's Diner, a Spokane institution in a historic railcar, known for hearty American diner fare (be prepared for a potential wait). Another great option is to explore the breweries in Spokane – many have excellent and affordable food trucks or pub fare (e.g., Iron Goat Brewing or No-Li Brewhouse).

10:30 PM onwards: Continue driving east into Idaho.

Accommodation: Aim for a cheap motel or budget hotel near Spokane or just over the Idaho border in Coeur d'Alene (e.g., Super 8, Motel 6, or similar). Book in advance as it's a holiday weekend!

Cost Estimate (for 4 people): $80 - $120 for a basic room.

Friday, July 4th: Alligators, Waterfalls, & Fireworks!

Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast. Grab something quick from a grocery store or your motel.

7:30 AM: Drive towards Buhl, Idaho. This is a significant drive (approx. 5-6 hours from Coeur d'Alene).

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Alligators at Miracle Hot Springs (Buhl)!

Activity: Head to Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl, Idaho, to see their unexpected alligators living in hot-spring-warmed enclosures. It's a truly unique Idaho quirk! There might be a small entrance fee for the hot springs area itself (separate from your America the Beautiful Pass).

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls).

Activity: Just a short drive from Buhl are the magnificent Shoshone Falls, often called the "Niagara of the West." They are even taller than Niagara Falls! Enjoy the scenic overlooks.

3:00 PM: Drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. (Approx. 2 hours from Twin Falls).

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Explore Craters of the Moon.

Activity: Experience the otherworldly volcanic landscape.

Hikes (easy to moderate):

Devils Orchard Nature Trail (0.5 miles loop): Easy walk through a cinder garden.

Indian Tunnel (0.8 miles round trip): Explore a lava tube (bring a flashlight/headlamp and sturdy shoes!).

Local Food Idea near Craters of the Moon: Options are limited, but Pickle's Place in Arco, ID (the town closest to Craters of the Moon) is a local, family-owned spot known for its homemade meals and sandwiches at low prices. It's a no-frills, authentic small-town diner experience.

Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Head to Idaho Falls for Fireworks.

Drive: Arco to Idaho Falls is about 1 hour.

4th of July Fireworks Spot: The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls is renowned as one of the largest Independence Day fireworks shows west of the Mississippi! It's choreographed to music and is truly spectacular. Arrive early (by 7:00 PM at the latest) to secure a good spot, as it draws a massive crowd. Bring blankets or chairs, and prepare for some traffic after the show. Parking will be challenging, so consider street parking a bit further away and walking in.

Accommodation:

Budget Option: Camping within Craters of the Moon National Monument (Arco, Idaho). The campground is typically first-come, first-served and very basic but incredibly atmospheric. Highly recommended for cheap and unique experience!

Alternative: Basic motel in Idaho Falls or Arco (limited options, book extremely well in advance). Given the fireworks, Idaho Falls will be very busy and pricier.

Cost Estimate (for 4 people): Camping: $15-$20. Motel: $100-$200 (prices will be inflated for 4th of July).

Saturday, July 5th: Sawtooth Mountains & Central Idaho Deep Dive

Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast.

8:00 AM: Drive to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This is a stunning area (approx. 2-3 hours from Craters of the Moon/Arco, or 3-4 hours from Idaho Falls).

Local Food Idea in Sawtooth Area: The towns of Stanley and Ketchum/Sun Valley offer a few spots. For something relatively casual and a taste of the region, look for places that feature Idaho potatoes or local trout. Ketchum Burrito in Hailey (a bit south of Ketchum) is a popular, casual spot often mentioned by locals for good, quick food. In Stanley, dining options are limited but usually focus on hearty, rustic fare.

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Hike in the Sawtooths & Scenic Drive.

Hike Option (Moderate): Alice Lake via Iron Creek Trailhead (approx. 11-12 miles round trip, but you can do a shorter portion). Even a few miles in offers incredible views of granite peaks and alpine meadows. You don't have to go the whole way to experience the beauty.

Easier Option: Explore Redfish Lake. There are shorter, scenic trails around the lake, or you can take a boat ride. The views are spectacular regardless.

Scenic Drive: Drive portions of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway (Highway 75). It's breathtaking.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore More Central Idaho!

Option 1: Hot Springs Soak: Idaho is the "Hot Springs Capital of North America"! Consider a stop at a rustic natural hot spring like Sunbeam Hot Springs along Highway 75 near Stanley (free, roadside, primitive, but popular and busy) or a slightly more developed, but still budget-friendly, option like Challis Hot Springs (small fee, facilities) if you want a relaxing soak.

Option 2: Mining History/Ghost Towns: Explore a bit of Idaho's mining past. Near Stanley, you can visit the Custer Ghost Town for a glimpse into 19th-century prospecting life. This is a longer drive and might cut into other activities.

Option 3: Balanced Rock: If you're heading south again, the Balanced Rock State Park (near Buhl) is another unique geological formation, though it might be a bit out of the way given your drive plans.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Drive to Boise. (Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours from the Sawtooth area).

7:00 PM onwards: Dinner & Evening in Boise.

Local Cuisine Idea: Boise has a vibrant food scene. For an affordable but tasty dinner, explore the Basque Block for unique cuisine (e.g., Basque Market and Deli for casual eats or Bar Gernika for a pub atmosphere). Other options include breweries with food or more casual spots downtown.

Accommodation: Budget motel/hotel in Boise (e.g., Motel 6, Super 8, or similar). Book in advance.

Cost Estimate (for 4 people): $90-$120 for a basic room.

Sunday, July 6th: Boise Exploration & Drive Back to Seattle

Morning (7:30 AM): Breakfast.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Explore Boise!

Activity: Take a stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt, a beautiful paved pathway. Visit the Idaho State Capitol Building (free to enter and explore the impressive architecture). If time allows, a quick stop at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot is also an option if you went east on I-84 after Idaho Falls, but given your route to Boise, that would be a significant backtrack. Alternatively, for a truly quirky Idaho experience, consider a drive-by of the Big Idaho Potato Hotel (near Boise) or the Dog Bark Park Inn (further north near Cottonwood, but too far for this itinerary).

10:00 AM: Depart Boise for Seattle. This is a long drive (approx. 7.5 - 8 hours driving time, without significant stops).

Lunch (flexible): Grab lunch on the go, or stop in a larger town along I-84/I-82/I-90 like Pendleton, The Dalles, or Yakima.

Evening (6:00 PM): Arrive back in Seattle.

This is the whatsapp group if anyones interested

https://LinkShield.co/43

Disclaimer for Meetup Participants:
Please note that this itinerary is a suggested guide for a road trip. Participation in this trip is entirely voluntary, and each individual is responsible for their own safety, well-being, and adherence to all laws and regulations. The organizer (me) is not a professional guide, and assumes no liability for any accidents, injuries, losses, or damages that may occur during this trip. By participating, you agree to waive the organizer of any responsibility and acknowledge that you are undertaking this adventure at your own risk. Please come prepared and exercise good judgment throughout the journey.