Bring your camera to this rugged area of pristine beauty and see the remains of mines, a railroad, and historic cabins lining Belt Creek as it winds through a beautiful canyon carved in limestone.
About the Park
Soaring cliffs and precipitous ledges mark the Belt Creek Canyon as it slices out of the Little Belt Mountains and winds toward the town of Belt. Remains of mines, a railroad, and historic cabins line Belt Creek as it makes its way through the beautiful canyon carved in limestone. This rugged area has seen its share of prospectors searching for precious metals, miners, muleskinners, smeltermen, and railroaders building bridges. The Barker mines and the Montana Central Railroad are just a part of the rich history of Sluice Boxes State Park.
A primitive, unmaintained trail provides access to fishing, challenging floats, and wildlife viewing. Steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and cold, swift water may pose risks to visitors. Please use caution while hiking and floating in the park.
A Backcountry Campsite Permit is required to camp in this park. Contact FWP Headquarters in Great Falls to obtain a permit.
Alerts & Closures
Restrictions and Closures
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Activities
Backcountry Camping
Bird Watching
Fishing
Hiking
History
Hunting
Photography
Picnicking
Rafting
Stream Fishing
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
Interpretive Display
Maps
Pets Allowed
Pack-in/Pack-out
Toilets (Vault)
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Open all year
Parking area/ trailhead open sunrise to sunset.
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Sluice Boxes State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Campsites
Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.
Montana State Parks offers hike/bike, rustic, tent, rv, and boatslip campsites.
A Backcountry Campsite Permit is required to camp in this park. Contact FWP Headquarters in Great Falls to obtain a permit.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Sluice Boxes State Park
c/o FWP Region 4 Headquarters
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: 406-454-5840 Email: SluiceBoxes@mt.gov
Recreate Responsibly
Tips to stay safe while getting outdoors
To keep our state parks safe and accessible to all, make sure you know before you go, practice physical distancing, plan ahead, play it safe, explore locally, leave no trace, respect wildlife, and do your part to build an inclusive outdoors.
Colin Maas manages Smith River and Sluice Boxes State Parks. He began his career with Montana State Parks as a seasonal Park Ranger in 1996. Other experience includes seasons as a river ranger on the Blackfoot and Smith Rivers as well as working in numerous state parks in western Montana. Colin earned his B.S. in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana - Missoula. He was born and raised in Minot, ND.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
FWP Region 4 Headquarters
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
