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There are a lot of places to stay near Yellowstone National Park, but the Lamar Valley Cabins are two of the best.

Located in Silver Gate, Montana, just a mile outside the east entrance, the cabins are an ideal place for people who want to focus on wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley. Heather and I stayed there during our spring wolf watching trip and didn’t want to leave the house.

It’s also a great location for exploring the Beartooths and the Beartooth Highway, en route to Cody, or for visiting the park in general. I can’t wait to cozy up there in winter on a cross-country ski trip!

We loved:

• the location: just outside the park and surrounded by trees and mountains in the funky little (really little!) town of Silver Gate.
• the cabins: built by the owners, the cabins are so nice! Nicer than my house. We hung around late one morning just to be in there.
• the owners: I’ve only met Jeff, but he was so fun and interesting. Heather says his wife, Karen, is just as great.

There are two cabins. The first is smallish, and perfect for a family. The loft holds two futon mattresses ideal for kids. On the main floor, a kitchen makes cooking your own meals (and preparing lunch to go) super easy. That’s one of the biggest benefits of renting a house or cabin, in my opinion, you save money and eat healthier by preparing your own meals. There’s also a queen bed and full bath.

As guest of owner Jeff Hogan, we stayed in the larger cabin and it is gorgeous. There are two bedrooms upstairs, plus another queen bed in the nook at the top of the stairs, and a full bath. Downstairs is a full, gourmet kitchen, large living area, and half-bath. Laundry facilities are just off the kitchen.

Jeff just finished bomber decks on both cabins and bought grills. I’m already picturing summer evenings sitting on the deck, grilling dinner, and gazing at the mountains. This is the cabin in the woods I’ve always dreamed of.

See interior pictures on their website and “like” Lamar Valley Cabins on Facebook.