Sloan Creek is the largest tributary of the North Fork Sauk River, entering the river about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) above the mouth of Lost Creek.

According to Fred Beckey, Cadet Creek is larger than Sloan Creek and could be equally considered the head of the Sauk River as the North Fork itself.

[2] Sloan Creek begins at the outlet of Blue Lake, which is located a slight 0.4 miles west of the unnamed lake that is the source of the North Fork Sauk River.

Sloan Creek, after exiting Blue Lake, soon enters Little Blue Lake, which is located at an elevation of 5,185 feet (1,580 m).

The creek exits Little Blue Lake and flows northwest for about 5.9 miles (9.5 km) until it turns north at its confluence with Cadet Creek.