Sluice Boxes State Park
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406-454-5840Description:
Named for a steep-sided box used in gold mining, the Sluice Boxes State Park is a limestone canyon carved by the frigid waters of the Belt Creek in central Montana. Just 30miles from Great Falls and just off the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, the Sluice Boxes is a little-known getaway for fly-fishing, hiking, cliff jumping, swimming and floating.The soaring canyon walls and turquoise waters make the Sluice Boxes one of the prettiest spots in central Montana. Even though the park is easily accessible, it is rarely crowded.
Conveniences in the park are limited to one outhouse. This is the Sluice Boxes' charm. As a primitive state park, don't expect picnic tables, fire pits, or even maintained trails. The "hiking trail" loosely follows the track of an abandoned railroad. You will see remnants of a ghost town and rotting railroad bridges. You will scramble your way up and down washed out banks, cross the creek up to seven times, and pass through an old tunnel.
If you arrive here at a high-tide start your trip at the second trailhead a mile past the Riceville Bridge to avoid the first creek crossing which is fast and deep. During the middle to late summer, the Sluice Boxes are perfect for a full-day hike from top to bottom. Be prepared for several water crossings, or to spend most of the day in the water. Most of the deep water will be cold all summer, but some spots warm nicely in the sun.
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