Cooke City

Cooke City-Silver Gate is in Park County, Montana, at the north east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and is a convenient stop when visiting the area. In 2020, 77 people lived there.

• 45.01914-109.936971 Chamber of Commerce, 206 W. Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2495, info@cookecitychamber.org. Cooke City is large enough to have its own chamber of commerce and it's worth checking in with them to see what new events are happening in town.  

You must have a car to reach Cooke City. The nearest airport is in Billings.

Cooke City is at the west end of U.S. Highway 212 (US-212), the Beartooth Highway. It has been called "the most beautiful drive in America," by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt. Because of heavy snowfall at the top, the pass is usually open each year only from mid May through mid October, weather conditions permitting.

Cooke City is small enough that it can all be reached on foot. Several trailheads into the surrounding wilderness start near town.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last remaining large, nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone of the Earth.

Cooke City is at the center of many outdoor sports for every season.

• During the winter, US-212 eastbound is closed to traffic and Cooke City becomes a popular area for snowmobiling. Other winter activities include cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
  • 45.01973-109.932341 Cooke City Exxon & Polaris Ski-Doo, 204 Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2244. being at the end of the road during the winters makes Cooke City an excellent place to launch off on a snowmobile adventure. Many trails for advanced and beginner riders means snowmobiling can be a thrilling experience or just a way to tour the area in the winter.  
• 45.1-109.9332 Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. Covering 920,310 acres, is an administrated unit of the Gallatin National Forest, Custer National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest and is named for its jagged peaks resembling bears teeth and for Native Americans that lived in the area.  

• 45.02078-109.93071 Bearclaw Bakery, 309 E Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2040. This busy bakery is a great place to start the day with a tasty treat and some good coffee.  
• 45.006508-109.9900492 Log Cabin Cafe, 106 US Hwy 212 W, ☏ +1 (406) 838-2367, toll-free: +1-800-863-0807, logcabincafe@gmail.com. May–Oct, daily 5:30AM–10PM. Rustic breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Trout, pancakes, burgers, steaks, salads. Locally owned and operated, known for their big portions. This is a great place to fuel up in the morning before heading into the park. The pumpkin cake is to die for. Vegetarian options available. Breakfast $10.  (updated Sep 2017)

• 45.01943-109.93371 Miners Saloon, 208 Main St, ☏ +1 406 838-2214. Rub elbows with the locals in this little bar that also serves a nice variety of food.  

• 45.00717-109.990181 Silvergate Cabins, 107 US Highway 212 W, Silver Gate, ☏ +1 406 838-2371. Rustic cabins near everything that makes the area great. Great place for families.  

• 45.02798-109.893882 Colter Campground (7 miles from park entrance).  
• 45.02376-109.91613 Soda Butte Campground (6 miles from park entrance).  

Do not feed wildlife. Though many of the animals in the park area are used to seeing humans, the wildlife is nonetheless wild. Stay at least 100 m away from bears and 25 m from all other wild animals! No matter how docile they may look, bison, elk, moose, bears, and nearly all large animals can attack, and every year dozens of visitors are injured because they didn't keep a proper distance. These animals are large, wild, and potentially dangerous, so give them their space.

The weather can change rapidly and with little warning. A sunny, warm summer day can quickly become a cold, rainy or even snowy experience. Hypothermia can be a concern. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions by bringing along appropriate clothing. Lightning can and does injure and kill people in the park area, so watch the sky and take shelter in a building if you hear thunder.

Be aware of snow conditions before heading out in winter. Check online with Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

Lock your car doors and exercise sensible precautions with valuables. With so many people visiting the park each year, petty crimes are something to be vigilant against.

• Greenough Lake: this small lake is 13 miles west of Red Lodge. There are a few campgrounds along the road. You will need to park in the Greenough Lake campground then take a ¼ mile walk to access the lake.

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