Shhh... Want to Know a Yellowstone Secret? The Northeast Entrance!
Tired of elbowing your way through crowds to catch a glimpse of Old Faithful? Feeling like you need a PhD in traffic management just to navigate Yellowstone's popular spots? Well, lean in close, because we here at The Yodeler Motel have an inside scoop for you: the Northeast Entrance. We affectionately call it "The Quiet Side of the Park", and for good reason. This route offers a more serene, less congested way to experience the wonders of Yellowstone, and it's particularly beloved by wildlife enthusiasts thanks to its direct access to the legendary Lamar Valley. This branding resonates with travelers seeking a more peaceful, immersive nature experience, a welcome contrast to the sometimes-overwhelming bustle of Yellowstone's main attractions.
The Beartooth Highway: Not Just a Road, It's an Experience
The journey to this "Quiet Side" is an adventure in itself, thanks to the magnificent Beartooth Highway (US-212). This 68-mile marvel of engineering winds its way from our doorstep in Red Lodge to Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance. Construction on this All-American Road began way back in 1932 and was completed in 1936. Ever since, it's been consistently lauded as one of the most beautiful and dramatic mountain drives in America. And that's not just local pride talking; its official designations and the sheer awe it inspires back up the claim!
Prepare for some serious altitude – the highway climbs to the breathtaking Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet. Hold onto your hats, because the views (and maybe the altitude itself) will literally take your breath away! While you could drive it in a minimum of 2-3 hours, that would be missing the point. The Beartooth Highway is best savored as a day trip, with plenty of stops to soak in the grandeur. The journey itself is a primary attraction, not just a means to an end.
A quick heads-up on timing: the Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, but this is always weather dependent. High mountain passes are fickle beasts, so always, always check current road conditions before you head out.
Why "The Quiet Side"? What Makes the Northeast Entrance Special?
So, what's the big deal about this Northeast Entrance?
Proximity to Lamar Valley: Often dubbed "America's Serengeti," Lamar Valley is renowned for its unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. And guess what? It's just a short 9-mile drive from the Northeast Entrance. This is an enormous draw for photographers, wildlife watchers, and anyone hoping to see bison, wolves, bears, and more in their natural habitat.
Solitude (Relatively Speaking!): While you won't have the place entirely to yourself (it's still Yellowstone, after all!), the Northeast Entrance offers a palpable feeling of peace and remoteness compared to the park's more bustling gateways. In fact, 2021 traffic counts showed the Northeast Entrance was significantly less used than the West, North, or South entrances, meaning more nature and less human traffic jams for you.
Historic Entrance Station: Even arriving is an experience. The small, historic log building that serves as the entrance station is a National Historic Landmark, instantly reinforcing that "western frontier" feeling and setting the stage for your wilderness adventure.
The Journey Itself: As we've gushed, the drive via the Beartooth Highway (or the equally scenic Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, if you're coming from Cody) is an integral part of the experience, setting a dramatically different and awe-inspiring tone for your park visit.
Planning Your Trip from The Yodeler Motel
The Yodeler Motel in Red Lodge is your ideal "basecamp for any adventure," and that absolutely includes this unforgettable journey (Motel Info). You're looking at about a 68-mile drive from Red Lodge to the Northeast Entrance. To make the most of it, plan for these must-see stops along the Beartooth Highway:
Rock Creek Vista Point: Offers truly incredible views of Rock Creek Canyon and the dramatic Hellroaring Plateau. Bonus: the short trail to the overlook is wheelchair accessible.
Beartooth Pass Summit (10,947 ft): The literal high point of your drive, with spectacular 360-degree views that will make you feel on top of the world.
Island Lake & Beartooth Lake: These serene alpine lakes are perfect for stretching your legs, a bit of hiking, fishing, or even camping. Near Beartooth Lake, keep an eye out for Beartooth Butte, a fascinating geological point of interest and a known spot for fossil hunters.
Clay Butte Lookout: Take a 3-mile gravel road side trip to this historic fire lookout (now a visitor center) for more stunning 360-degree vistas of the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountain ranges.
Top of the World Store: An iconic and almost mandatory stop for souvenirs, snacks, and bragging rights.
Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook: Prepare for jaw-dropping views of these dramatic, pointed peaks and the beautiful Clark's Fork River Valley below.
Ready to explore Yellowstone's wilder, quieter side? Make The Yodeler Motel your cozy home base. Book your adventure with us and discover the unparalleled magic of the Beartooth Highway and the Northeast Entrance!