Northeast Entrance Station

Overview

A small, historic log booth tucked just west of Silvergate, the Northeast Entrance Station is the quiet way in. It sells entrance passes, rangers are often on hand with current info, and there are vault toilets just inside the park. If you’re aiming for wildlife, this is your straight shot to Lamar Valley.

Why start here

• It’s typically the least‑used of the five entrances, so it often feels calmer.
• Closest entry to Lamar Valley, a prime spot for bison, elk, wolves, and bears—bring binoculars or a scope and keep legal distances.

Getting there & seasonality

• From Red Lodge via the Beartooth Highway (US‑212): 69 miles of high‑alpine driving with steep grades and switchbacks, topping 10,000 ft. Usually open from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to about mid‑October, but snow and weather can shut it down anytime—always check status before you go.
• From Cody via Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY‑296): a curvy, beautiful approach that joins US‑212 near Cooke City. In winter, the last stretch toward Cooke City closes to regular vehicles.
• Winter workaround: the road from the North Entrance (Gardiner) through Tower Junction to Cooke City is generally open year‑round to regular vehicles, providing access when the outside approaches are shut.

On‑the‑ground basics

• The park is open 24/7; if you arrive before the booth is staffed, you may enter and purchase your pass later that day at an entrance station or visitor center.
• Drivers of oversized vehicles use the added side lanes and may need to walk to the checking office.
• Speed limits are commonly 45 mph unless posted otherwise; wildlife and changing conditions demand patience.

Fees and passes

• Entrance passes are sold here. Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge separate entrance fees. The Interagency Annual Pass can be a money‑saver if you’re visiting multiple parks.

Nearby services

• Silvergate is about 1 mile, Cooke City about 3.5 miles—both tiny, with limited lodging, food, and basic supplies. Fuel up in Red Lodge or Cody when possible. Public restrooms are sparse; seasonal USFS campgrounds east of town typically have vault toilets when open.

Best time to visit

• For wildlife, dawn and dusk deliver your best odds in nearby Lamar Valley.
• For driving Beartooth, go early in the day; weather shifts fast and temporary closures are common in shoulder seasons.
• Summer brings the most reliable road access; late spring and fall are gorgeous but variable.

Safety & etiquette

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it; pull fully off the road for viewing and never approach wildlife.
• Cell service is spotty—download maps and have a backup plan.

Is it worth a stop?

If you’re coming for wildlife or a grand mountain approach, absolutely. As an attraction, it’s simple—more gateway than destination—but as a starting point for Lamar and those two stellar scenic byways, it punches above its weight.