I leave 8/27 for a solo road trip from NE Ohio to Seattle and back again. I go back to work 9/16. I've checked out many of the messages posted on this site and others with tips and suggestions, and I think they're fantastic! As someone who tends to over-plan, I'm looking for words of wisdom about my itinerary.

I know I'm tackling a lot. My goal is Seattle - probably 5 days there. When I looked up flight prices, I figured I could spend just a bit more and see the country in the process on a road trip. Here's the plan:
Ohio – Madison, Wisconsin, Madison – Chamberlain, South Dakota, Chamberlain – Deadwood, South Dakota via Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Deadwood – West Yellowstone, Montana via Old Faithful/Yellowstone National Park West Yellowstone – Spokane, Washington, Spokane – Seattle, Washington. In Seattle: Pike Place Market, Experience Music Project, Space Needle, Pioneer Square Historic District, Cruise to spot whales, Lake Union, Day Trip to Portland, Oregon via Mt St Helen's. Trip home: Seattle – Boise, Idaho, Boise – Vernal, Utah via Salt Lake City, Vernal – Denver, Colorado, Denver – Lincoln, Nebraska, Lincoln – Chicago, Illinois, Chicago - Ohio.

Possible? Impossible? Potential traffic hazards? Great spots to stop for photos? Tips for hostels? I'll be staying all but 3 nights, probably, in hostels. Special tips for solo travelers? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!