1891 Map of Bear Valley

About this map

Bear Valley and the high peaks of the Sawtooth Range dominate this reconnaissance survey, conducted by A.H. Thompson and W.T. Griswold. At the end of the nineteenth century, this interior wilderness was defined by the intersection of four national forests and the headwaters of Idaho's major river systems. The map traces the winding course of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the Payette River, alongside prominent water bodies like Stanley Lake. Named landmarks such as Cape Horn and Tyee Mtn provide essential reference points for early travelers and surveyors navigating the complex topography between Custer, Boise, and Elmore counties. The drainage patterns of Marsh Creek, Valley Creek, and Warm Spring Creek illustrate a landscape still largely primitive and roadless, serving as a baseline record of the region before modern development.