Seattle, Washington to Chicago, Illinois- Most interesting/ beautiful route to take

Good day everyone!
I'm new to this site and I'm glad to be a part of it. I recently landed in Seattle from Chicago to visit my girlfriend and we're planning on taking a road trip back to Chicago at the beginning of August. We have a reliable car and we have all the necessary camping gear. We're in no rush to get back. I'm hoping to spend about 7 days on the road but I'm not sure which is the best route. I'm a photographer, so I'm looking for the best views, best stops, and the best all around drive back to Chicago. Anyone have recommendations for their favorite camping spots? Favorite swimming rivers? Best diner in the middle of nowhere? Anything!
I appreciate all your help!

Hello and welcome to RTA !

There are so many options that you best place to start would be reading around the forums and studying a good map to see what catches your attention. We had the very same question here and it's a good place to start.

I would definitely include the Beartooth Hwy (US-212) and Pass and the Chief Joseph Hwy (US-296 from Red Lodge MT to Cody WY, followed by Alt US-14 to Ranchester. Stunning views, amazing scenery and an abundance of wildlife, as well as some historical and geological attractions.

Lifey

To tag onto what Lifey suggested, there are some beautiful and not over-used campsites along the Beartooth Hwy, most of them at lower elevations but a few near Cooke City and Silver Gate. We weren't camping on this trip, but as we went by a few of these, we commented that these campsites would have appealed to us when we were tent-camping. Bring a warm sleeping bag, though!


Donna