2020 Map of Alaska Bench

About this map

The Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Snowy Mountains converge in this high-altitude landscape where Fergus and Golden Valley counties meet. The terrain is defined by dramatic elevation changes between the level heights of Alaska Bench and Middle Bench and the deep incisions of North Horsethief Canyon and Horsethief Canyon. This area, much of which is protected within the Lewis & Clark National Forest, serves as a critical headwaters region. A complex network of drainage systems, including the N Fork Flatwillow Cr and S Fork Flatwillow Cr, carves through the limestone geology, supported by perennial sources like McCartney Springs. The map reveals a land utilized for both conservation and ranching, evidenced by the primitive routes of Red Hill Rd and Halfmoon Ranch Rd that navigate the varied coulees and canyons.