I started writing this while we were in the process of moving.
We’re driving back and forth between the new house and the old. It’s an 8 hour drive each way, though this last time was 13-15 hours. I lost track.
I always struggle with big transitions, and I’m never aware of how much until the transition is over. We’re experimenting with a slower transition to Seattle. While this is delaying the acquisition of a P.O. Box for us, it is providing me plenty of time to enjoy the scenery of the Pacific Northwest along I-90.
There are quite a few lesser known towns and cities along our route that have incredible tourism potential if you want to stay within range of a cell tower. They all have access to trails or other outdoor sports year round, while also offering options for the less outdoorsy-types.
For our next trip west with a load of belongings, we’ll be starting in Missoula, Montana. Missoula offers a unique culture and downtown, plus the benefit of a growing airport with Westphalia rentals. Unlike Bozeman, you can’t get direct flights to Missoula most of the year from anywhere except Denver and Seattle, with the occasional Salt Lake City or Minneapolis option available. Seasonally, this expands to include Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and a few other destinations that have changed based on demand throughout the years.
I-90 mostly follows old US Highway 10.
You can still visit parts of this route in cities like Wallace, Idaho, where I-90 bridges over the old road. Wallace is an adorable town that warrants more tourism, especially in their incredibly well preserved historic downtown. There are plenty of parks and green spaces. As Americans itch to travel post-vaccination, but border closures limit us to cities within our own borders, I recommend checking out what Wallace offers.
I hope you’ll consider checking out these destinations 🙂 Just be sure to check avalanche conditions along route 90 in advance.
