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First of all, Yellowstone National Park is an incredible national park and probably my personal favorite. However, the area surrounding Yellowstone’s northeast entrance is generally not as crowded as the more popular locations. Hint, Hint, Old Faithful… Therefore, this is a great area to spend a day or two.
The Tower Roosevelt area is in the north-eastern section of Yellowstone National Park and offers some great views and some of the best wildlife viewing in Yellowstone National Park. Be sure to grab a map when you enter the park. Below are some unique areas to visit while in the Tower Roosevelt area.
What To Do Near The Northeast Entrance Of Yellowstone National Park
1. Tower Falls
Of course, this waterfall will make the list since it is part of the name of the region. Tower Falls is located about 3 miles south of the Roosevelt Junction and is approximately 132 feet tall. Although it is no longer possible to hike to the bottom of Tower Falls, it is worthwhile to walk to the overlook.
2. Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley has some of the best wildlife viewings in the United States. Bison frequently cause “traffic jams” due to the sheer number crossing the road at a time. Also, you can often find elk, pronghorn, bear, coyotes, and wolves in Lamar Valley. Find out more on wildlife viewing and safety here.
Tip
- Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are the best time for wildlife viewing and when the animals are the most active. We have seen wolves in the morning and the evening in Lamar Valley.
Not only are there many wildlife viewings in Lamar Valley, but this is also a very peaceful and beautiful area. Evenings and mornings are especially lovely, but be very aware of wildlife on or near the roads.
3. Petrified Tree
The Petrified Tree in Yellowstone National Park is on the northern road between Roosevelt Junction and Mammoth. Interestingly, the petrified tree is only one of many within the park and is of the redwood species. Yellowstone National Park contains hundreds of petrified trees, but you can only view most of these after a strenuous hike. This tree is easily accessible to almost anyone visiting the Tower Roosevelt area.
4. Roosevelt Lodge
The Roosevelt Lodge is the most convenient lodging in the park for the Tower Roosevelt area. Roosevelt Lodge is located at the Roosevelt junction and provides the best location for early morning and late evening trips into Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. The lodge offers cabins and a dining room. However, the lodge does have a short season and is only open from late May/early June through early September.
During our last stay at Roosevelt Lodge, there was a bear in the cabin areas, so be sure to be bear aware during your stay.
5. Dinner Cookout
A family favorite for many Yellowstone National Park visitors is an Old West Dinner Cookout. Among the options to get to the cookout is a wagon or a horseback ride. The cookout tour departs from Roosevelt, so this is an especially convenient option if you are staying at the Roosevelt Lodge.
6. Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives that you will ever take. Snow on the ground in the summer, miles of endless views, and narrow switchbacks are just some of the things you have to look forward to on this beautiful drive.
The nearly 70 miles between Red Lodge, MT and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park has been named as a National Scenic Byway All American Road.
In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park is an incredibly diverse park. The Tower Roosevelt area is deserving of individual attention, and these are six things you can do and see on your next (or first) visit to Yellowstone National Park.
