Monarch in the Little Belt Mountains

Monarch lies in central Montana in the Little Belt Mountains and is completely surrounded by the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Belt Creek flows through a narrow valley past the historic mining town. Both the mountain landscape and the town’s history shape Monarch’s character.

Landscape and location

Belt Creek runs through the narrow valley where Monarch is located. This gives travelers who consider both landscape and history when choosing a destination two distinct aspects to weigh.

The Park-to-Park Highway through Monarch

U.S. 89, also known as the Park-to-Park Highway, passes through Monarch. The highway connects Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The section that crosses the Little Belt Mountains is designated a scenic byway.

Plan to take U.S. 89 through Monarch; the section designated a scenic byway crosses the Little Belt Mountains.

Mining and railroad history

The junction known as “the Junction” became the site of the town of Monarch in 1889. In May 1890, Monarch was the terminus of the Montana Central Railway. Later, between 1901 and 1945, more than 80 companies operated in Monarch.

The restored Monarch Depot is also part of this history: it is the only surviving railroad structure of the Great Northern Railroad. Together with the former terminus of the Montana Central Railway, the depot tells another part of the town’s history.

Sluice Boxes State Park and Belt Creek

Near Monarch, Sluice Boxes State Park encompasses the northernmost eight miles of Belt Creek Canyon. Travelers will find striking scenery, numerous wildlife species and trout fishing in Belt Creek. Seasonal creek crossings should be taken into account when planning a visit; check conditions in advance. At Sluice Boxes State Park, scenery, wildlife and trout fishing in Belt Creek come together; hiking, camping and mountain biking are popular along Hughesville Road in summer.

Hughesville Road and summer activities

If you turn east onto a Forest Service gravel road as you enter Monarch, you will reach Hughesville Road. Hiking, camping and mountain biking are popular in the forest road area in summer. Forest Service campgrounds are located on both sides of the road reached from Monarch.

Since this is a gravel road and conditions can change, check the road conditions before setting out. You should also check the current status of the campgrounds in advance.

Places to stay in Monarch

Cougar Canyon Lodge & Escape is listed as a place to stay in Monarch. Check current availability independently.

Discover more destinations: Great Falls, Vaughn.

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