Marias River State Park

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

Best Time to Visit

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

Last updated: May 2026