1963 Map of Basin Butte

About this map

Basin Butte Lookout stands at 8,954 feet, overseeing a landscape of the Challis National Forest during the early 1960s. This drainage basin is defined by a dense network of watercourses, including the East Fork Valley Creek and Sunday Creek, which flow through the high-elevation terrain. Evidence of the region's extractive history is visible in the numerous mining sites and prospects distributed throughout the area. Specifically, the Hay Creek Mine and multiple unnamed prospects near Sawmill Creek indicate a period of active mineral exploration. The isolation of the area is underscored by the presence of Cow Camp and a system of 4WD tracks that provide the only access to landmarks like Potato Mountain and the secluded Valley Creek Lake.