1956 Map of Beartooth Butte

About this map

The Shoshone National Forest landscape shown here in the mid-1950s is defined by high alpine plateaus and a concentration of isolated ranching outposts along the Clarks Fork Yellowstone River. This area represents a critical junction for early high-altitude travel, evidenced by the presence of the State Highway Maintenance Camp and multiple specialized campgrounds like Island Lake Campground and Beartooth Lake Campground. The presence of several family-named properties, including the L Bar T Ranch, Hunter Peak Ranch, and K Bar Z Ranch, suggests a robust mid-century ranching culture operating within the forest boundaries. High above the river valley, the Beartooth Plateau is dotted with dozens of small glacial lakes such as Skeepherder Lake and Night Lake, while prominent landmarks like the namesake Beartooth Butte and Cathedral Cliffs serve as unmistakable navigational points for travelers using the Pack Trail or the emerging Highway 212.