Geysers to Greenery: A Family RV Road Trip from Billings to Portland"
There’s something timeless and unforgettable about crossing the American Northwest by RV. We embarked on our 15-day family adventure in a cozy motorhome from Billings, Montana, tracing a route through Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and finally into Oregon, where we rolled into Portland just as the city began to glow under a soft Pacific rain.
We began our journey by exploring the Pictograph Cave State Park, a prehistoric site that sparked the kids’ curiosity. Nearby, ZooMontana offered a gentle introduction to regional wildlife—a perfect, low-key morning before hitting the road west.
Once in Cody, Wyoming, we embraced cowboy culture with a night at the Cody Night Rodeo. It was loud, exciting, and wonderfully local. Don't miss the Buffalo Bill Center of the West—it's not just for history buffs; even the little ones were wide-eyed at the exhibits, especially in the Plains Indian Museum.
Heading into Yellowstone National Park in our campervan felt like entering a different world. We parked near Old Faithful, where the geyser’s dramatic eruptions never fail to amaze. Mammoth Hot Springs, with its surreal terraces, felt like we were walking on another planet. For families planning a motorhome trip through Yellowstone, make sure to reserve your campgrounds early—this is a popular stop!
Crossing the Continental Divide and hiking Elephant Back Mountain Trailhead gave us both altitude and attitude—big views and bigger memories. We used a trusted camper route planner to find quiet overnights in nature, often waking up to elk grazing nearby.
Montana surprised us again with the Montana Grizzly Encounter—a sanctuary where rescued grizzlies lounge peacefully (well, most of the time). Then we dove into natural history at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, which has one of the best dinosaur fossil collections in the country.
As we rolled into Idaho, the Mesa Falls Nature Trail gave us one of the most refreshing hikes of the entire trip. We also made a splash in Box Canyon State Park, where the dramatic scenery and cool river breeze gave us that perfect “this is why we road trip” moment. In Boise, we swapped four wheels for two and took a ride with Boise Bicycle Tours, then wrapped up the day at the Aquarium of Boise, where touching a stingray turned into a family favorite.
Leaving Idaho, we traced the route of pioneers along the Oregon Trail. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offered powerful stories, while the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton gave voice to the Native communities who’ve called this region home for centuries. Nearby, a stop at Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery provided a well-earned adult tasting (and their food menu was family-friendly, too!).
Crossing the Columbia River into Washington, the Maryhill Museum of Art caught us by surprise—classical art with stunning views over desert cliffs. Closer to the Cascades, we took the Magic Mile Sky Ride at Timberline Lodge—a literal and emotional high point of our trip. Pack layers; even in summer, the mountain air can be brisk.
As we rolled into Portland, we celebrated with a Portland Spirit Cruise, drifting gently down the Willamette River as the city skyline lit up. For one last adrenaline rush, we headed to the Tree to Tree Adventure Park, where treetop zip lines gave us a final whoop of joy before parking the campervan for good. And yes, we made time for food carts and Washington Square Mall—because every road trip deserves a little shopping and snacking!
Tips for Road Trip Planning from Billings to Portland
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How to plan a motorhome trip in USA: Use a dedicated route planner that factors in campground availability, road restrictions for larger vehicles, and scenic byways. This route includes both National Parks and small-town gems, so planning is key.
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Campervan and RV Rental: Billings has several rental options, whether you're looking for a full-size motorhome or a compact campervan. Make sure your rental includes access to National Park maps and safety gear.
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Family-Friendly Food: Don’t miss local specialties—bison burgers in Cody, fry bread tacos in Pendleton, and the endless options at Portland’s food cart pods.
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Campsite Strategy: Yellowstone, Idaho’s state parks, and Oregon’s forested areas offer memorable stays. Reserve in advance during summer months, especially around Yellowstone and Portland.
With every canyon, forest, and steaming geyser, our RV road trip from Billings to Portland became more than just a vacation—it was a journey into the heart of the American West. If you’re wondering how to plan your own adventure, take it from us: slow down, let the road surprise you, and use a camper route planner that lets you blend wild nature with cultural touchpoints. This isn’t just a route. It’s a story waiting to unfold.
