1979 Map of Bear River Reservoir

About this map

El Dorado and Amador county lines intersect within the rugged Sierra Nevada terrain of the late 1970s, a landscape defined by high-altitude reservoirs and historic timber or seasonal camps. The Bear River Reservoir and the northern reaches of Salt Springs Reservoir dominate the hydrology of the area, with underwater contours provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The map reveals a network of primitive access routes, including a Pack Trail and Jeep Trail, connecting remote locations such as Allen Camp and Podesta Camp. Along the eastern edge, the Mokelumne Wilderness boundary marks a transition into protected lands, while family-named landmarks like Ham Spring and Dufrene Camp suggest a history of grazing or recreation. From the Gaging Station on Cole Creek to the Shot Rock Vista Picnic Area, this survey documents the managed wilderness and hydroelectric infrastructure of the late twentieth century.