🌤 Weather at Marias River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–66 °F | 46–82 °F | 20–71 °F | 11–37 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Conrad, 10 mi away, elevation 3,550 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Montana’s Remote 5,845-Acre River Wilderness — Undeveloped Wildlife Management Area, Non-Motorized Access Only, Native Grasslands, Elk & Deer Habitat Near Shelby
Marias River State Park is a 5,845-acre undeveloped state park and wildlife management area (WMA) located southwest of Shelby, Montana. The park features the Marias River corridor, native grassland and riparian habitat, non-motorized access only (no public vehicle access to the river), elk, deer, and upland game bird habitat, fishing (when accessible), hunting during established seasons, and a complete pack-in/pack-out wilderness experience with no facilities of any kind.
Marias River State Park is one of Montana’s most remote and inaccessible state parks — a vast 5,845-acre expanse of native grassland, coulees, and river-bottom habitat along the Marias River. The park has no public vehicle access to the river, no visitor center, no campground, no restrooms, and no staffing. Access is limited to non-motorized means only, making this a true wilderness destination for experienced outdoorspeople. The property supports elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and upland game birds. Fishing is possible in the Marias River when water levels and access conditions allow, but the primary draw is hunting and wildlife observation in one of Montana’s most undisturbed grassland ecosystems.
Things to Do
Hunting
- Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn
- Upland game birds: Sharp-tailed grouse, pheasant
- Montana hunting license and WMA regulations apply
- Check established seasons with Montana FWP
Wildlife Watching
- Native grassland and riparian corridor
- Elk herds, pronghorn, deer
- Raptors, waterfowl, grassland birds
Fishing
- Marias River: When accessible
- Non-motorized access only to river
- Montana fishing license required
Hiking
- No formal trails: Cross-country navigation on old roads
- 5,845 acres of open terrain
- Navigation skills and topo maps essential
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 5,845 acres |
| Type | Undeveloped state park / WMA |
| Vehicle Access | NO public vehicle access to river |
| Access Mode | Non-motorized only |
| Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, water, staffing, or campgrounds |
| Pack Policy | Pack-in, pack-out everything |
| Habitat | Native grassland, coulees, riparian corridor |
| Wildlife | Elk, mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn, upland birds |
| Contact | Montana FWP Great Falls office: 406-454-5840 |
| Directions | I-15 Exit 358 → Marias Valley Rd (3.5 mi) → Hjartarson Rd (10.2 mi W) → S 2.5 mi |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Hunting season; elk bugling; golden grasslands; cool weather; raptors migrating | Check seasons; private property boundaries; cold nights; rattlesnakes (early fall) |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Green-up; calving season; waterfowl; birding; wildflowers in coulees | Muddy access; flooding; variable weather; ticks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Long days; wildlife viewing; grassland birds; warm; fishing potential | Extreme heat; rattlesnakes; fire danger; low water; mosquitoes |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Complete solitude; winter elk; snow tracking; vast white landscape | Extreme cold; deep snow; access nearly impossible; dangerous |
Visitor Tips
- No vehicle access: There is NO public vehicle access to the Marias River within the park — all access is non-motorized.
- Contact FWP first: Call the Great Falls office (406-454-5840) before visiting to verify current access status and road conditions.
- Private property: Private land surrounds portions of the park — carry maps and respect boundaries.
- Self-reliant: This is a 5,845-acre wilderness with zero facilities — bring all water, food, first aid, navigation tools, and communication devices.
- Rattlesnakes: Prairie rattlesnakes are present — watch where you step, especially in warm months.
- Hunting: The park’s WMA designation makes it a prime hunting destination — check Montana FWP for current seasons and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Marias River State Park?
No — Marias River State Park near Shelby, Montana, has no public vehicle access to the river. The 5,845-acre property is designated for non-motorized access only. There are no campgrounds, restrooms, water, or visitor facilities. The park functions primarily as a wildlife management area supporting elk, deer, pronghorn, and upland game birds. Contact the Montana FWP Great Falls office at 406-454-5840 before visiting to verify current access conditions and regulations.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is elsewhere in the state, while Giant Springs State Park lies elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Montana state parks online at montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Marias River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 8 feet required, unless otherwise posted.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and posted restricted areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Frenchtown Pond and Wild Horse Island; kennel service offered during Lewis and Clark Caverns tours; Spring Meadow Lake no pets April 16 - October 14; Lake Elmo has a fenced dog park.
Are dogs allowed at Marias River State Park?
Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via fwp.mt.gov. More: Montana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Marias River State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
