Best US transcontinental northern route?

I-90 west-to-east is the southern-but-northern transcontinental. Starts in Seattle, ends in Boston. Crosses Mount Rainier area, Idaho panhandle, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts. About 3,000 miles. Plan 14-21 days. RV-friendly throughout. I-94 is a parallel slightly-north option.

Yes throughout. Some mountain pass sections require attention. Otherwise standard interstate.

Best US transcontinental northern route?

I-90 west-to-east is the southern-but-northern transcontinental. Starts in Seattle, ends in Boston. Crosses Mount Rainier area, Idaho panhandle, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts. About 3,000 miles. Plan 14-21 days. RV-friendly throughout. I-94 is a parallel slightly-north option. • I-90 west-to-east transcontinental • Seattle to Boston ~3,000 miles • I-94 parallel option • 14-21 days • Year-round driveable

RegionCited official sources

Trans-Canada Highway via US — northern transcontinental

The northern transcontinental US route paralleling the Canadian Trans-Canada Highway.

The Trans-Canada Highway runs 4,860 miles east-west across Canada. The US alternative — using I-90, I-94, US-2, and I-87 through Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and New York — provides a comparable transcontinental experience without crossing into Canada.

Frame: a highway in Washington — not this route.

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By PickRV·Cited primary sources·Updated May 18, 2026

Route almanac

Tier: Region
State: Washington
Sources: Cited official (.gov / .org)

Practical I-90 segments

Seattle to Spokane: WA section, mountain pass.

Spokane to Bozeman: ID + MT, Continental Divide crossing.

Bozeman to Mt Rushmore area: SD scenic exit.

Mt Rushmore to Sioux Falls: rolling plains.

Sioux Falls to Chicago: prairie + I-90 toll.

Chicago to Cleveland: rust belt.

Cleveland to Buffalo: NY state.

Buffalo to Boston: NY Thruway + Mass Pike.

America's Byways — Federal Highway Administration scenic byway programbyways

What FHWA + state DOTs doesn't tell you

Regional travel guides typically focus on individual destinations. PickRV's regional guides focus on the multi-day RV-route reality — how to connect destinations efficiently, where to camp at intervals, what fuel + supply discipline matters.

FHWA: Interstate system.[source]

Frequently asked questions

Is I-90 RV-friendly?: Yes throughout. Some mountain pass sections require attention. Otherwise standard interstate.

Authoritative sources

National Park Service — find a park National Park Service
America's Byways — Federal Highway Administration scenic byway program FHWA National Scenic Byways

Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.

Planning an RV trip along Trans-Canada Highway via US?

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Rent an RV in the 6 states Trans-Canada Highway via US crosses

This drive spans more than one state. Pick up where the road starts, or wherever the trip suits you.

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