Gates of the Mountains Marina Tours

Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Lisa Wareham


Take a boat tour from the marina on a scenic section of the Missouri River, marveling at the majestic mountains that give the spot its name.

Gates of the Mountain Marina is the starting point for boat tours on one of the most spectacular stretches of the Missouri River. Step aboard a boat and admire the awe-inspiring mountain vistas.

Learn the origin of the name, “Gates of the Mountains,” which came from American explorer Meriwether Lewis. While navigating this portion of the Missouri River in 1805, Lewis was struck by the immense stone slopes of the surrounding mountains, which seemed to block off the waterway entirely, only to open up as the boat drew closer. “I shall call this place: Gates of the Mountains,” he wrote in his journal.

Little has changed in Gates of the Mountains since then, with much of the region being declared a wilderness area, thus preventing development. Come to the marina to set out on your very own expedition into the wild heart of the area.

Look at the imposing gray stone cliffs lining each side of the water as you move along and you’ll soon see that Meriwether was right. As you approach turns in the waterway, it really does appear as if the peaks will prevent passage.

Some boat excursions lead past pictographs that predate Meriwether’s journey. Others stop at a picnic area. Try to spot wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, goats and eagles, all of which reside in the Gates of the Mountains region.

The marina itself comprises more than 140 private docks of varying sizes, a gas dock and a members-only bathroom. Bring along your own boat and pay a fee to launch it from the public launch at the marina, which is open daily from early morning until night. Trailer parking is available for a fee at the marina. Overnight moorings are reserved only for members of the marina.

Find the Gates of the Mountains Marina about 20 miles (30 kilometers) north of Helena at the northern edge of Upper Holter Lake. Tours generally run from late May to late September.

Plan a trip to see Gates of the Mountains Marina

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Things to do near Gates of the Mountains Marina

At Gates of the Mountains Marina, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including scenic boat tours that showcase the stunning mountain landscapes. Explore the area on pontoon boats or take part in fishing tours to experience the local wildlife. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the marina offers a perfect setting for unforgettable outdoor experiences in Montana.

Recreation

Bill Roberts Golf Course, located 16 miles from Gates of the Mountains Marina, offers a scenic outdoor experience with lush greens and a challenging layout perfect for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Fox Ridge Golf Course, just 12 miles away, provides a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views for a day of sports and relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the stunning landscapes at MacDonald Pass, a hiking trail located 25 miles from Gates of the Mountains Marina, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventure vibes. For a shorter trek, the Lakeside Trailhead, 16 miles away, invites you to enjoy nature, while the Last Chance Tennis Center, 15 miles away, promises thrilling sports activities.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at Great Northern Carousel, an arcadeAdventureZone perfect for family vibes. Try your luck at Lucky Buckys Casino for a romantic night out, or catch a movie at Cinemark Helena, offering family-friendly entertainment. Each venue is only 17 miles from Gates of the Mountains Marina.

Find the best attractions near Gates of the Mountains Marina

At Gates of the Mountains Marina in Wolf Creek, Montana, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes featuring lakes, forests, and mountains. Popular activities include exploring the serene Glacier Bay by boat, fishing in Holter Lake, and utilizing the boat ramp for water adventures. The marina offers a friendly boat crew to assist with your excursions, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and eco-friendly experiences in nature.

  • Black Sandy State Park: Just 7 miles from Gates of the Mountains Marina, this park offers stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. With its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it's perfect for swimming, picnicking, and hiking, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Helena National Forest: Located 7 miles away, this expansive forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse trails and wildlife, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the forest, immersing themselves in the peaceful ambiance of Montana’s wilderness.
  • Devil's Tower: A mere 6 miles from the marina, this iconic mountain provides breathtaking views and thrilling climbing opportunities. Its unique geological features and rich cultural history make it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and a connection to nature.

Best time to go to Gates of the Mountains Marina

The best time to visit Gates of the Mountains Marina can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gates of the Mountains Marina falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Gates of the Mountains Marina falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January21.9°F (-5.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February21.6°F (-5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March32.2°F (0.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July69.4°F (20.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October42.8°F (6.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November29.7°F (-1.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December20.5°F (-6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gates of the Mountains Marina

To save money on your visit to Gates of the Mountains Marina, consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices drop significantly. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates and avoid Saturdays, which tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare options and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package deals, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings. Take advantage of free outdoor activities to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gates of the Mountains Marina are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gates of the Mountains Marina is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Gates of the Mountains Marina is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Gates of the Mountains Marina with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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