Northwest National Parks

Welcome to Idaho Falls, our gateway to the Northwest National Parks! Upon independent arrival, please make your way to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore Idaho Falls, a city that sits along the banks of the Snake River. Its museum includes items from the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as a recreated 1800s town. Tonight, we'll join our tour guide and fellow guests for an orientation and welcome dinner at the hotel, and get ready to start your tour of the northwest National Parks!

Today, we will depart early to travel north towards the Grand Teton National Park, located in northwest Wyoming. The Park is home to the Teton Range, Grand Teton Peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole. We will stop in Jackson and enjoy some time exploring the town. Then, we will continue on to Grand Teton National Park, stopping en route for the most incredible views and a visit to Jenny Lake Lodge. Then, it's time to continue on to West Yellowstone.

Today is all about exploring America's first National Park—Yellowstone—an immense geothermal wonderland including geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, and canyons. We will visit the lower, middle, and upper geyser basins to view Fountain Paint Pots, Grand Prismatic Geyser, and the iconic Old Faithful, which spews water approximately 17 times a day! We will also visit the Old Faithful Inn, and enjoy some time exploring this area. Bison, bears, and other fascinating wildlife can be spotted within the boundaries of the park.

For our second day at Yellowstone, we will visit the stunning Mammoth Hot Springs, which was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. From the boardwalk, we can see the upper and lower terraces, the hot spring, and the hot springs cone. Then, we'll visit the Tower Roosevelt, Canyon Village, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley. The drive from the canyon area through Hayden Valley boasts some of the most gorgeous views and provides ample opportunities to see the native wildlife. Later this afternoon, we will return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today we leave the wonders of Yellowstone behind and make our way north to Big Sky's (Montana) endless views. Further on, we'll make a stop in Missoula before making our way alongside the impressive Mission Mountain Range and beautiful shores of Flathead Lake and the Flathead Indian Reservation, and onto Kalispell, our gateway to Glacier National Park. Tonight's dinner will be at the hotel.

This morning starts our exploration of the "Crown of the Continent," Glacier National Park. First, we will visit Apgar's Visitor Center, Apgar Village, and Lake McDonald Lodge, then we'll enjoy a short hike around the village of Apgar. This afternoon, we will visit the artsy town of Whitefish and the Hungry Horse Dam.

If Glacier National Park is the "Crown of the Continent", then Going-to-the-Sun Road is the crown jewel. We'll travel the spectacular road which spans the width of Glacier National Park and crosses the continental divide at Logan's Pass through nearly every terrain in the park from large glacial lakes to the alpine tundra atop the pass. (Going-to-the-Sun Road only open July–September depending on Logan's Pass)

June Travelers: Instead of exploring Going-to-the-Sun Road, experience stunning views of Glacier National Park's southern and eastern regions during a drive along panoramic Route 2 with incredible photo stops, short walks, a stop at Goat Lick Overlook, and chances to view wildlife, perhaps even some mountain goats!

Today we'll travel to Coeur d'Alene, a beautiful city surrounded by dozens of lakes left behind by glaciers from the ice age. There are more than fifty-five lakes within easy driving distance of Coeur d'Alene itself. There is something magical about Lake Coeur d'Alene that's hard to define but we'll have a chance to experience it ourselves with a sunset farewell dinner cruise.

Today we say goodbye to Coeur d'Alene and travel to Spokane where we'll enjoy a city tour before our journey comes to a close at Spokane International Airport at approximately 12 pm.