Silver Gate Activities
The Golden Gateway to Outdoor Activities
Silver Gate, Montana is a tiny rustic western town whose entire existence revolves around serving tourists and providing them with an excellent spot for embarking on a variety of outdoor adventures. Surrounded by Montana's Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, and Wyoming's Sunlight Basin and Absaroka Range, recreational opportunities are infinite.
Historical Education
The area of Silver Gate was originally part of land homesteaded by Horace S. Double in 1897. The actual town was founded in 1932 by John J. Taylor and J.J. White. Taylor and White wanted to ensure that Silver Gate kept its rustic feel, thus covenants requiring that all building be built with log construction were put in place. There are also restrictions on signs and setbacks. Any visitor who passes through Silver Gate will automatically get a history lesson on western architecture. Do not forget to bring your camera.
Wildlife Viewing
Silver Gate is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, moose, and bears. If you are looking for wolves, drive down into the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. Most wolf sightings in Yellowstone National Park occur in Lamar Valley. To increase your chance of seeing wolves, bring your binoculars; wolves rarely approach humans and vehicles. Yellowstone offers several ranger-led wildlife tours into Lamar Valley. There are also many private wildlife tours as well. Lamar valley is located near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, which is one mile from Silver Gate. The northeast entrance is the least traveled entrance, making wildlife viewing more successful and enjoyable.
Hiking
The Beartooths and Absarokas offer excellent hiking. Hundreds of miles of trails take you over mountain plateaus and through glacial carved valleys. The Beartooth Scenic Highway, which starts in nearby Cooke City, is also a great trailhead for several hikes. And of course, you do not want to miss the myriad of trails in Yellowstone. On hikes, make sure you bring layers of clothing, food, and water. Bear spray is also encouraged because the Yellowstone area is home to many grizzlies and black bears.
Horseback Riding, Fishing, and Whitewater Rafting
One way to experience the vast wilderness of the Silver Gate area is on horseback. Horseback riding outfitters are equipped to take you on a half-day trip or a multi-day pack trip. Some outfitters also offer combination horseback riding fly-fishing trips, or horseback riding whitewater rafting trips. However, if you are not interested in getting in the saddle, there are many guiding companies that provide separate fishing and whitewater trips. Guiding companies offer trips that take you into Yellowstone, the Beartooths, and the Absarokas.
Winter Activities
Snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing are popular activities in the winter. Some rental cabins come equipped with snowshoes and crosscountry skis if you do not have your own. The roads to Silver Gate are open year-round. However, US Highway 212 is closed east of Cooke City in the winter.
Currently Outside
