I need to put an exhaust fan in a basement bathroom - but I cannot go out the side of the basement- is it ok to go all the way to the roof - so through the first floor to the attic and out the roof

No you cannot go that far with a typcial bathroom vent fan. It just does not have the power to pull or push that far.

You have a few options.
1. Install a larger stronger fan within the attic to pull the air up the longer distance. Many high end homes use this method. So the fan noise is not heard when its turned on.
Or figure out a way to vent sideways out of basement.

Run the exhaust duct up into the space between the floor joists above and out to the side of the building, terminating at the siding. Check to make sure there are no pipes or wires that would obstruct this route.