"That's kind of the whole idea out here, is breaking down barriers, not creating new ones. It's important so everyone has the opportunity to explore the outdoors." - Brenden Dalin, Summit Independent Living
There are huge things underway out at our Rock Creek Confluence property! Over the last two years, Five Valleys has been busy redesigning and building universal trails, developing accessible infrastructure and interpretation, and preserving the property's rich history through our Confluence Gateway Initiative.
The Confluence Gateway Initiative was kickstarted by Five Valleys' 50th anniversary Montana Forever Campaign and a $90,000 grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Recreational Trails Program. The grant enabled the redesign of the property's main trail, the Confluence Gateway Trail, to bring it up to universal design standards.
In 2024, Five Valleys was awarded a $100,000 grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Trails Stewardship Program to expand the universal trails network through the new Wetland Discovery Loop trail that will encircle the property's restored wetland. Trail construction is being undertaken by Wild Rockies Landscaping with project accessibility being overseen by Summit Independent Living.
“Open spaces that are designed for everyone are rare in western Montana, and especially in more rural areas. Five Valleys saw an opportunity to meet this need through our Rock Creek Confluence property,” says Whitney Schwab, Five Valleys' Executive Director. “From the beginning, the Confluence has been a place where we can innovate, build partnerships, and provide broad public access. The Confluence Gateway Initiative builds upon these efforts."
In tandem with trail construction, Five Valleys is working with the Missoula Blind and Low Vision Support Group, HJT Descriptions, the Séliš-Ql̓ispé Culture Committee, and Field to Frame Interpretive Planning & Design to bring the Confluence's interpretive signs to life through audio recordings that can be more easily enjoyed by visitors who are blind or low vision.
Five Valleys also partnered with the Friends of Upper Rock Creek Historic District to restore Pete's Cabin, an original homesteader's cabin located along the trail route. Thanks to the Friends and a grant from the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Pete's Cabin will remain a living, accessible part of Montana history for decades to come.
This fall, work began on the Ron Clausen Observation Pavilion, which will be the focal point of the new Wetland Discovery Loop Trail. Paradigm 3 Architecture designed the pavilion, which is being built by Hone Architects + Build. Interior elements are being constructed by partner Lion Lumber & Build. The pavilion, named for longtime Confluence supporter and Rock Creek resident Ron Clausen, will soon provide a place for visitors to rest and take shelter, observe wildlife at the wetland, and enjoy the Confluence's scenery.
“Our partnerships have opened so many doors for collaboration and innovation,” says Jenny Tollefson, Five Valleys' Stewardship Director. “Our work with Summit Independent Living, the Séliš -Qli̓ spé Culture Committee, the Friends of the Upper Rock Creek Historic District, and others, is not only informing our work. It is engaging a broad cross-section of the community in the creation of an open space where everyone feels welcomed.”
On November 12th, these efforts were showcased in a front-page article in the Missoulian newspaper by reporter Joshua Murdock. Check out the article--as well as neat drone footage of the Confluence--to learn more about our exciting Confluence Gateway Initiative.
Then, plan your own visit to the Confluence, located just 22 miles east of Missoula along Rock Creek Road (map).
Missoulian front page photo by Ben Allan Smith
