Montana Park of the Week: Marias River State Park

Established in 2009, this combination wildlife management area and state park feature wonderful and wild views.

The site includes an undeveloped 14-mile stretch of the Marias River, as well as sagebrush grassland and short grass prairie habitats in the uplands.

When FWP bought the land, officials believed an existing road on the east side of the WMA would provide access to the river and interior of the state park. However, an adjacent landowner disputed FWP plans and stated that the road was not public.

The landowner and FWP went through a formal mediation process, and FWP proposed transferring approximately 483 acres of the WMA to the landowner in exchange for public recreational access on Lincoln Road.

In November 2015, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted down the road proposal, leaving the State Park and Wildlife Management Area without vehicle access to the river.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks purchased the 5,485-acre Wildlife Management Area in 2008. A 1,878-acre state park sits next to it.

Charlie Lincoln previously owned the land and was known as the Lincoln Ranch. When Lincoln died, he left his ranch to the Catholic Diocese of Montana to give FWP the first right of refusal if the diocese decided to sell the land.

FWP paid $2 million for the state park portion of the land, funded through a one-time appropriation from the 2007 Legislature, and $5.6 million for the WMA portion, thanks to Habitat Montana funding.

The Marias River is void of any technical whitewater. It's a leisurely float, even for someone with minimal experience. It provides an easy two-date float.

From I-15, Exit 358 east to Marias Valley Road, North 3.5 miles, turn west on Hjartarson Road, for 10.2 miles, then south 2.5 miles.