Lakeside Project in Southeast Montana Fossil Lovers Paradise

Southeast Montana is a beautiful and diverse region. The area provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, bird watching, rock collecting, mountain biking, camping, and more. This region is world-famous for its paleontological discoveries, including well-known dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Enjoy Dean S. Reservoir, located approximately 12 miles east of Miles City. A popular destination for fishing, hiking, and camping, set within a beautiful 162-acre ponderosa pine landscape. The reservoir is stocked by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Amenities include electrical campsites, designated tent sites, a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, and newly established hiking trails. The area is open to the public and is a scenic spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Volunteers will focus on trail maintenance along 2.5 miles of newly constructed trail. Because the trail was originally built with native materials and a rough grade, some erosion is expected over the winter and spring. Anticipated tasks include: clearing debris from the trail, removing accumulated sediment, completing short trail reroutes, pruning and brushing vegetation, clearing downed trees, addressing hazards such as exposed roots or rocks, litter clean-up, and installing trail signage.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Area and Attractions

Southeast Montana is a beautiful and diverse region. The area provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, bird watching, rock collecting, mountain biking, camping, and more. This region is world-famous for its paleontological discoveries, including well-known dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. The landscape varies dramatically—from vast plains and rolling grasslands to rugged badlands, river breaks, and sculpted sandstone formations. You'll experience expansive open space, sagebrush flats dotted with cottonwood trees, isolated lone trees, and hillsides covered with ponderosa pine and juniper. Farm fields, prairie buttes, and deep canyons unfold beneath Montana’s iconic big sky, with stunning sunrises and impressive sunsets that highlight the area’s natural beauty. Miles City, a community of approximately 7,000 residents, offers several local attractions, including the WaterWorks Art Museum, the Range Riders Museum, and nearby Pirogue Island State Park. The Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities, and Spotted Eagle Lake—also stocked—offers both fishing and swimming. In addition to Miles City, many nearby small towns such as Terry, Jordan, Broadus, Baker, Ekalaka, Forsyth, and Hysham offer their own unique attractions and points of interest, making the region rich with opportunities to explore.

Accommodations Description

Car camping tent sites at Dean S Reservoir. Recent site improvements include fire pits, picnic tables, and a double vault toilet. Vehicles may remain on-site during the stay. No cell service at the campground but limited reception is available approximately ¾ mile away. Electricity is available. Potable water brought in daily. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Registration Link: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/lakeside-project-in-southeast-montana-fossil-lovers-paradise/