Chicago to Portland in 5 - 7 days -- Best Route with most Bang!

I am actually starting this trip from Washington, DC -- but I plan to pick up a friend in either Indy or Chicago. I want to do this trip in 5 to 7 days (starting from Indiana) in either mid April or the beginning of May. I am thinking of pushing through the first day or so to get as far west as I can. I want to see mountains, wildlife, and big sky as quickly as possible. Then I would like to get off the highway a little to see the towns and some kitsch stuff -- probably taking a byway or two. I would love to hit a national park and/or do some hiking, tubing or white-water rafting. Any advice on the best route? What I should see? There is SO much!!! Thank you in advance.

Samantha.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I assume this is a one way trip? Even at a quick pace, you need 4 days just to get to Portland from Chicago.

There's never a one-sized fits all best route, or one that has the most bang, since there is stuff to see on every single route.

However, in terms of simple and straightforward, I-90 would be a good backbone. You have the badlands and black hills in South Dakota, Devils Tower in Wyoming, Little Bighorn in Montana, and you're just a short detour away from Yellowstone.

The later in the spring you go, the more attractions are accessible. Most of Yellowstone is still snowed in that early.

How late do I have to wait to not "worry" about snow?

YES, one way trip. Getting my car to my new home while seeing the country.

Any suggestions of off-beat things to see on the i-90 route.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slamrox

How late do I have to wait to not "worry" about snow?

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For places like RMNP, Yellowstone, and Glacier, at least the middle of May. If you go to nps.gov and look up the parks you are planning on visiting, the projected opening dates for facilities and roads will be listed.

You should have NO problem any time in April on the Interstates.