1963 Map of Alturas Lake

About this map

Sawtooth City (Site) and the nearby Sawtooth Cem serve as historical markers of early settlement within the Sawtooth National Forest. This high-altitude landscape is defined by the Sawtooth Valley and a chain of prominent alpine lakes, including Alturas Lake, Pettit Lake, and Yellow Belly Lake. The presence of Lake Alturas Lodge, Smoky Bear Lodge, and specialized facilities like Camp Perkins and Camp Luthy indicates a mid-century era focused on recreation and forestry. The Smiley Creek Landing Strip provides an essential backcountry aviation link in this remote terrain, while the winding Salmon River and its many tributaries, such as Smiley Creek and Beaver Creek, dictate the movement through the valley floors. For the local historian, the map preserves the precise location of legacy sites and campgrounds like North Shore Campground and Smoky Bear Campground before more modern developments altered the recreational footprint.