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The Sluice Boxes State Park Trail is an out-and-back trail alongside Belt Creek Canyon.
About the Route
Unlike most rail trails, the Sluice Boxes State Park Trail is a hiking-only route. Along this 8.7-mile out-and-back trek, the trail passes by old cabins and mines. During low season, trail users can ford the river but be warned, the river is spring-fed and always cold.
The Sluice Boxes State Park Trail is an out-and-back trail with parking along Evans Riceville Rd. (Riceville).
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
I have been hiking this trail for over 30 years. It never gets old. There are trestles, a tunnel and a small "town" that has a jail. Expect a lot of bushwhacking along the trail. Frequent water crossings - the water is cold even in the hot months. Practice "leave no trace" for human waste - toilets only at the two THs. TH parking is limited. Pack it in/Pack it out - I have hauled out 3 large sized trash bags over the years - clothing, toys, shoes, tents, bottles, cans, etc. There is verified puma and black bear activity - you might even get to see them. When the train was operating, it was called the trout train - there were special times when the train would haul fishermen into the canyon, drop them off and then pick them up on the return trip. Pull noxious weeds when you can and remove from the park. No cell service either. This park is listed as a "primitive" park - let's keep it that way.
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