Part of the fun of living in the Treasure State is discovering the hidden gems. Montana is home to some stunning state parks, but some of them get overlooked, especially when they’re as rugged as Sluice Boxes. If you’ve never seen this geologic marvel, here’s where to find it (and why you should go).

Sluice Boxes State Park is located in the the Little Belt Mountains about 37 miles south of Great Falls.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
To reach it, head south on U.S.-89 from Belt, then 2 miles west on a county road.
The park consists mainly of limestone cliffs and steep canyons that drop into Belt Creek.
David J Laporte / Flickr
The park encompasses 1,450 acres along the creek.
Popular park activities include hiking, floating and backcountry camping.
Stefanie / Flickr
The territory is so rugged that you have to have a Backcountry Campsite Permit to camp here.

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Sluice Boxes State Park, which was established in 1970, was named for the canyon’s resemblance to the boxes miners once used to find gold.
Stefanie / Flickr
Belt Creek looks peaceful, but if you go, don't underestimate its current.
J. Stephen Conn/ Flickr
The current is stronger than it looks, so never swim or float without a group.
Some evidence of the area's past, like historic cabins and railroad relics, can be spotted on the 2.8 mile Sluice Boxes Trail.
Laura LaBelle / alltrails.com
This area has seen plenty of prospectors, miners and railroaders.
When you need to get away from it all and you don't mind some primitive territory, Sluice Boxes is a perfect destination.
Laura LaBelle / alltrails.com
The park is open all year from sunrise to sunset, but obviously it's more difficult to explore during winter.

Have you ever been to Sluice Boxes? If you’d rather experience a park that’s more lowkey, check out this relaxing park first.

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