Two years ago, Five Valleys and our partners realized a decade-long dream when we purchased the Mount Dean Stone Community Forest. In 2026, we are thrilled to begin the Community Forest's next chapter.
Mount Dean Stone is unlike many places in western Montana. Few, if any, other open spaces offer hiking, biking, hunting, snowshoeing, high scenic overlooks, participation in organized races, elk winter range, and a remote and wild experience, all within a few minutes of town.
Over the summer, the Mount Dean Stone Committee’s Recreation Working Group came together to imagine what the future of the forest could hold. A vision emerged: a “backyard backcountry” landscape that offers all the ways Montanans like to play, while simultaneously supporting the needs of wildlife, forest health, and a growing Missoula.
Beginning in 2026, Five Valleys will break ground on the second phase of trails on the Community Forest. The Recreation Working Group identified needs around three types of trails: Neighborhood loops could offer shorter after work hikes or dog walk routes close to trailheads. Landscape connectors could expand access across the landscape by connecting existing trails and trailheads. Universal trails could welcome visitors with less experience or who use mobility assistance devices, expanding opportunities and inviting new people to explore their community open spaces (learn more about the Skyline Ridge View Trail coming in 2026!).
Building new trails that consider diverse community needs will take time to do right. The Mount Dean Stone Committee, which includes Five Valleys, Run Wild Missoula, The Nature Conservancy, Missoula Mountain Bike Coalition, Summit Independent Living, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Missoula County, the US Forest Service, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Big Sky Brewing Company, onXmaps, Consumer Direct Care Network, and area neighbors, expects the work to take several years.
Excited for new experiences on Mount Dean Stone? Get involved in your community forest! Join us for volunteer workdays, donate to the project, and give us your feedback. We can’t wait to dig in, waiting, of course, until the Community Forest’s winter wildlife habitat recreation closure lifts in May. Stay tuned!
Header photo: Mount Dean Stone Community Forest by Anastasia Wilde
