1965 Map of Bella Vista

About this map

Bella Vista serves as the primary settlement hub in this 1960s study of the Shasta County landscape, situated where the terrain transitions from the alluvial flats of Swede Plains into the rising timber of the Shasta National Forest. The northern reach of the map is dominated by the sprawling waters of Shasta Lake and the Pit River, punctuated by recreational sites like Mariners Point Campground and Rend Island Campground. The rugged interior is defined by Backbone Ridge, which separates numerous drainage systems including Clikapudi Creek and Dry Creek. To the south, the water network becomes more intricate near Mirror Lake and Elks Lake as Little Cow Creek and Cow Creek converge. These waterways were essential to the early development of the region, supporting ranching and local transit along routes like Deschutes Road and various jeep trails that navigate the canyons.