Just outside Yellowstone’s quiet northeast entrance, Silver Gate is a gateway town with an old-time charm all its own. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and just minutes from some of the park’s wildest country, it’s the kind of place where mornings start with the call of a sandhill crane and evenings end under a star-studded sky. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, here are the best things to do in Silver Gate, MT.
1. Dawn Wildlife Viewing in Lamar Valley
Silver Gate sits on Yellowstone’s doorstep to Lamar Valley—“America’s Serengeti.” Sunrise is prime time here, when wolves, bears, elk, and massive herds of bison are most active. Roll out early, pack your binoculars, and settle in at one of the roadside pullouts as the fog lifts over the valley floor. Few moments capture Yellowstone’s wild essence quite like dawn in Lamar.
2. Hike to Nearby Waterfalls
The mountains and forests around Silver Gate are laced with short hikes to some truly stunning waterfalls. A few to add to your list:
• Warm Creek Falls – Just off the Beartooth Highway near the northeast entrance, this roadside cascade is a quick and easy stop.
• Mystic Lake Falls – Accessible from the Mystic Lake Trail near Cooke City, this moderate hike rewards you with roaring falls spilling into a pristine alpine basin.
• Woodbine Falls – A bit farther along the Beartooth Highway, this family-friendly 1.5-mile trail leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
• Calamity Falls – A less-traveled gem near Cooke City, reached via the Stillwater Trail. The hike winds through rugged country before revealing a dramatic drop framed by cliffs.
3. Dine in a Local Spot
For a town of its size, Silver Gate serves up memorable meals:
• Stop the Car Trading Post & Café – A cozy stop with hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and legendary huckleberry ice cream.
• Log Cabin Café – A historic café dating back to 1937, famous for its pancakes, burgers, and welcoming atmosphere.
• Miners Saloon (just up the road in Cooke City) – Great for a casual dinner, with wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and local brews.
4. Shop Local Treasures
Silver Gate’s shops are small but packed with charm:
• Stop the Car Trading Post – Beyond its café, it carries locally made goods, maps, and Yellowstone keepsakes.
• Silver Gate Lodging Gift Shop – Offers handcrafted items, local art, and essentials for your park adventures.
• Cooke City Store (a short drive away) – One of the oldest general stores in Montana, full of character and history.
5. Stay in Rustic History
Overnighting in Silver Gate feels like stepping back to Yellowstone’s early days:
• Silver Gate Lodging – A collection of historic log cabins with cozy fireplaces, set along Soda Butte Creek.
• Pine Edge Cabins – Family-owned rustic cabins with mountain views and easy access to Lamar Valley.
• Grizzly Lodge – Just outside town, this lodge offers comfortable rooms and a classic Montana lodge feel.
