Northeast Entrance - Image 1
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Northeast Entrance

4.6
·491k reviews·Cooke City, United States

Gateway to the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley and the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, offering a wilder Yellowstone experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning & Late Evening

Prime wildlife viewing hours

CrowdLow
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Northeast Entrance - Image 1

Northeast Entrance

Best Time

Early Morning & Late Evening

Prime wildlife viewing hours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gateway to the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley and the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, offering a wilder Yellowstone experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Northeast Entrance is your best bet for seeing wolves and bears in Yellowstone!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Binoculars are a MUST! 🔭

Essential for spotting distant wildlife in Lamar Valley. Don't miss out on seeing wolves or bears!

Check Road Status Daily ⚠️

The Northeast Entrance Road can close unexpectedly due to weather. Always check the park website.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lamar Valley Wildlife

Lamar Valley Wildlife

Lamar Valley

Vast plains teeming with bison, pronghorn, bears, and wolves. A photographer's and wildlife enthusiast's dream!

Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive

Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive

US-212 East

America's most beautiful highway offers breathtaking alpine vistas, glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Cooke City-Silver Gate

Cooke City-Silver Gate

Just outside the Northeast Entrance

Charming historic mining towns offering lodging, dining, and a glimpse into the area's rugged past.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Wildlife & Scenery

The Northeast Entrance is your gateway to the Lamar Valley, a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Plan for early mornings and late evenings for the best chances to see bison, wolves, and bears. Pack binoculars and patience!

Road Conditions & Access

Be aware that the Northeast Entrance Road can be subject to closures due to snow, even into early summer. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status before your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Morning & Late Evening
Why
Prime wildlife viewing hours
Crowd
Low
When
Summer (June-August)
Why
Roads typically open, wildflowers bloom
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Northeast entrance?

Binoculars are a MUST! 🔭

Essential for spotting distant wildlife in Lamar Valley. Don't miss out on seeing wolves or bears!

Check Road Status Daily ⚠️

The Northeast Entrance Road can close unexpectedly due to weather. Always check the park website. Reddit

reddit.com

Need to be in Cooke City by 730pm. Best sites?

reddit.com

What can I access from the North and northeast entrance of the park during the winter when the other roads are closed? (Specifically late March)

Pack Layers for All Weather 🧥

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and even snow, regardless of the season.

Fuel Up Before Entering ⛽

Limited services inside the park. Fill your tank in Gardiner or Cooke City.

reddit.com

What's the best part to see this time of year?

Tips

from all over the internet

Binoculars are a MUST! 🔭

Essential for spotting distant wildlife in Lamar Valley. Don't miss out on seeing wolves or bears!

Check Road Status Daily ⚠️

The Northeast Entrance Road can close unexpectedly due to weather. Always check the park website. Reddit

Pack Layers for All Weather 🧥

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and even snow, regardless of the season.

Fuel Up Before Entering ⛽

Limited services inside the park. Fill your tank in Gardiner or Cooke City.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Northeast Entrance for its unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities in Lamar Valley and the stunning scenic beauty of the Beartooth Highway. It's considered a more remote and wilder part of Yellowstone, offering a less crowded experience than other park entrances. However, the limited services and potential for road closures due to weather are noted drawbacks.

What People Like

Incredible wildlife sightings
Spectacular Beartooth Highway
Less crowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited services
Remote location
Seasonal road closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Northeast Entrance is accessible via US-212. If coming from the west, you'll drive through the park from Mammoth Hot Springs. If coming from the east, you'll approach via the Beartooth Highway. Reddit

No, the Northeast Entrance Road (connecting Cooke City to Tower-Roosevelt) is typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1st through late May or early June due to snow. Reddit

The Northeast Entrance provides direct access to the Lamar Valley, making it the ideal starting point for wildlife viewing. Reddit

No, there is no direct north-south road connecting the Northeast Entrance to the Old Faithful area. You would need to drive west to Mammoth Hot Springs and then south, or exit the park and re-enter from the west or south.

There are no official park shuttle services that directly serve the Northeast Entrance. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, all visitors need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass. These can be purchased at any park entrance station or online in advance.

The Northeast Entrance is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, weather permitting. However, services within the park may have limited hours.

Entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through the official Yellowstone National Park website or recreation.gov, which can save time at the entrance station.

The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is a public road and does not have an entrance fee. However, you will need a Yellowstone National Park pass if you plan to enter the park via this route.

Arriving very early in the morning (before 8 AM) or later in the evening can help you avoid the peak crowds, especially during the summer months.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Lamar Valley, easily accessed from the Northeast Entrance, is renowned for bison, pronghorn, elk, bears, and wolves. Keep a safe distance and use binoculars! Reddit

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities, including trails in the Lamar Valley and along the Beartooth Highway. Always be bear-aware and carry bear spray.

Key viewpoints include the Top of the World, various pull-offs overlooking glacial lakes, and the scenic overlooks near the Montana/Wyoming border. Instagram

Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent in most of the Lamar Valley and along the Beartooth Highway. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans.

Services are minimal. You'll find a small visitor contact station and restrooms. The nearest services like gas, food, and lodging are in Cooke City-Silver Gate.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly within the park at the Northeast Entrance. The closest dining options are in Cooke City and Silver Gate, just outside the entrance. Reddit

Cooke City offers a range of casual dining, including diners, cafes, and pubs serving American comfort food. It's a great place to refuel after a day of exploring. Reddit

Yes, there are designated picnic areas in Lamar Valley. Remember to pack out all your trash and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cooke City has a small general store where you can purchase basic groceries and snacks. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before entering the park if possible.

Prices are typical for a remote tourist town. While not cheap, it's generally more affordable than dining options within the main tourist hubs of Yellowstone.

📸 📸 Photography

Lamar Valley is unparalleled for wildlife photography. Early morning and late evening light create magical scenes. Look for bison herds, wolf packs, and bears. TikTok

A telephoto lens (200mm+) is highly recommended for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive landscapes of Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway. TikTok

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for both wildlife and landscapes. TikTok

While not directly at the Northeast Entrance, guided photography tours operate within Yellowstone National Park and can often be customized to focus on the Lamar Valley area.

The alpine lakes, vast mountain panoramas, and dramatic switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway offer stunning landscape photography opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Northeast Entrance area offers a fantastic, wilder experience for families. Lamar Valley is a natural playground for spotting animals, which is always a hit with kids. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as services are scarce. Consider a picnic lunch in Lamar Valley to make the most of the scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Beartooth Highway can be a thrilling drive, but be mindful of winding roads and potential motion sickness for younger children. Ensure kids understand the importance of staying in the car or close to adults when viewing wildlife. Reddit

Key tips for families:
* Bring binoculars for everyone: Even the kids will love spotting animals.
* Download offline park maps: Cell service is unreliable.
* Pack layers: Mountain weather can be unpredictable.
* Focus on short, accessible hikes: Or simply enjoy scenic pull-offs.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For road trip lovers, the Northeast Entrance is a gateway to two iconic drives: the park's interior roads leading to Lamar Valley and the spectacular Beartooth Highway. If you're coming from the south, consider how to best integrate this into your route, as the eastern side of Yellowstone lacks a direct north-south connection, meaning you might need to retrace your steps or plan a loop. Reddit The Cooke City-Silver Gate area offers a charming, historic basecamp with lodging and dining options, perfect for breaking up a longer journey. Reddit

Planning your road trip:
* Factor in extra time: For wildlife jams and scenic stops on the Beartooth Highway.
* Consider a loop: Combine the Beartooth Highway with a drive through Yellowstone's interior for a comprehensive experience.
* Book accommodations in advance: Especially if traveling during peak season, as options near the Northeast Entrance are limited.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley, often called the 'Serengeti of North America,' is the undisputed highlight for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Northeast Entrance. This expansive, rolling valley is a prime habitat for a diverse array of animals. Bison are ubiquitous, often seen in large herds grazing or crossing the road. Keep an eye out for pronghorn, the fastest land animal in North America, and elk. The real stars for many, however, are the wolves and bears. While sightings require patience and luck, the Lamar Valley offers some of the best opportunities in the park to spot these elusive predators. Dawn and dusk are the most active times for wildlife, so plan your visits accordingly. Remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all animals, using binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views. TikTok

Tips for successful wildlife viewing:
* Arrive early or stay late: Wildlife is most active during the cooler parts of the day.
* Bring binoculars and a spotting scope: Essential for spotting animals from a safe distance.
* Be patient: Wildlife viewing is often a waiting game.
* Scan the hillsides: Look for movement and listen for sounds.
* Never feed wildlife: It's dangerous for you and harmful to them.
* Carry bear spray: And know how to use it, especially if hiking. Reddit

Driving the Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway (US-212), accessible from the Northeast Entrance, is a National Scenic Byway renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. This road climbs to over 10,000 feet, offering panoramic views of rugged mountains, pristine glacial lakes, and vast meadows. It's a truly spectacular drive, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The highway is typically only open from late May or early June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Instagram

As you ascend, the landscape transforms from forests to stark, treeless alpine tundra. Numerous pull-offs provide opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the views. Popular stops include the Top of the World viewpoint, offering expansive vistas, and various overlooks showcasing stunning alpine lakes. The drive is winding and can be slow-going, so allow ample time to enjoy the journey and make frequent stops. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as it can be sunny and warm one moment and cold with wind or even snow the next, even in summer. Instagram

Important considerations for driving the Beartooth Highway:
* Check road status: The highway is prone to closures due to snow. Always verify it's open before you go. Reddit
* Fuel and services are limited: Fill up your gas tank before you start, as there are very few services along the route.
* Altitude: Be aware of the high altitude and potential for altitude sickness. Stay hydrated.
* Wildlife: You might spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or marmots along the way.

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