RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Trip Details | Overview |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1,573 mi |
| Duration | 16 Days (Recommended) |
| Start / End | Portland, OR to Salt Lake City, UT |
| States Crossed | Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Ideal For | Families, Nature Enthusiasts, History Buffs |
The transition from the lush, creative culture of the Pacific Northwest to the dramatic, rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains is a classic American journey best experienced in a motorhome. Covering 1,573 mi across six diverse states, this route offers wide, scenic highways that are incredibly well-suited for RV travel. Navigating through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah allows you to seamlessly blend vibrant city explorations with remote wilderness access. Traveling in an RV gives you the ultimate flexibility to embrace a slow travel philosophy, ensuring you have the time to wake up near towering volcanic mountains one week and active geothermal geysers the next, all from the comfort of your home on wheels.
To truly appreciate the changing landscapes, we recommend breaking your 16-day journey into distinct, unhurried stages. The full day-by-day plan with specific stops and campground recommendations is available inside RV PLANET, but here is a look at how your journey will flow.
Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Portland. Take time to explore the city's renowned independent spirit before easing into the majestic mountain scenery of the Cascades. The driving pace here is relaxed, focusing on the transition from urban centers to forested mountain slopes.
As you leave the coastal influence behind, the route opens up into the high deserts and historic pioneer pathways of the Inland Northwest. Expect longer, scenic driving days across Washington, Idaho, and Montana, punctuated by fascinating historical sites and wide-open skies.
This is the centerpiece of the trip. You will want to minimize driving time and maximize exploration as you delve into the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park and the dramatic alpine scenery of Grand Teton National Park. The focus here is on wildlife watching, hiking, and soaking in the natural features.
The final leg of your journey winds down through picturesque canyons and valleys as you leave Wyoming and enter Utah. The driving is straightforward and visually stunning, providing a gentle conclusion to your adventure as you approach Salt Lake City.
This route is exceptionally diverse, offering a mix of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. While the exact stops are detailed in your RV PLANET itinerary, you can expect to encounter several key themes.
How many days do I need?
We strongly recommend dedicating the full 16 days to this 1,573 mi route. This allows for comfortable driving distances, ensuring you have ample time to explore the national parks rather than just driving past them.
Is this RV route worth it?
Absolutely. It is the ultimate motorhome road trip for those who want to experience the stark contrast between the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. It offers a rare combination of culinary delights, pioneer history, and unparalleled natural wonders.
Who is this route for?
Families planning a western United States vacation will find this route ideal. It is well-suited for both beginners and experienced RV travelers, thanks to well-maintained highways and established RV infrastructure in the national parks.
When is the best season to travel?
Late spring through early fall is the optimal window. Summer offers full access to all park roads and facilities in Yellowstone and the Tetons, while September provides stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds. Be aware that winter weather can cause significant road closures in the mountain passes.
Because this route begins in Portland and ends in Salt Lake City, you will be booking a one-way RV rental. It is important to factor in one-way drop fees, which vary by supplier, as well as a mileage package that comfortably covers the 1,573 mi base distance plus any side trips. When budgeting for your journey, consider the costs of fuel for a larger vehicle, nightly campground fees (reserving early is crucial for Yellowstone and the Tetons), and national park entrance passes. For exact, real-time pricing and availability tailored to your travel dates, utilize the search tools available on RV PLANET.
This unforgettable journey blends vibrant cities, historic pioneer trails, and the geothermal wonders of the American West. To unlock the full day-by-day itinerary, view recommended campgrounds, and secure your motorhome, visit the full route guide at RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate adventure today.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Portland), Cruise America- 26-E (Portland) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$650 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $675–$1,200 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $200–$450 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $960–$1,280 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a Class C RV averaging 10 mpg at $3.50-$4.00/gal, 15 nights of mixed campground stays during summer, and meals cooked in the RV. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Leave the vibrant city behind and ease into the majestic mountain scenery of the Cascades at a relaxed pace.
Traverse the high deserts and historic pioneer pathways, enjoying wide-open driving days that connect the coast to the Rockies.
Settle in for a multi-day exploration of dramatic geysers and towering peaks, minimizing drive time to maximize wildlife viewing.
Wind down your journey through picturesque canyons and valleys as you approach your final destination.
Total cost for this 16-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,573 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Portland → Salt Lake City pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Portland pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Portland → Salt Lake City route.
Picking up in Portland but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: