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1980 Map of Bethel

Name: 1980 Topographic Map of Bethel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

The Kuskokwim River serves as the primary lifeblood of this Western Alaska region, anchoring a series of riverine settlements including Bethel, Kwethluk, and Akiachak. This 1980 survey captures the transition from the wet lowlands of the river delta to the rising peaks of the Kilbuck Mountains and Kuskokwim Mountains. In the eastern reaches of the map, the landscape shifts toward the high alpine lakes and protected wilderness within Wood-Tikchik State Park, where Chikuminuk Lake and Upnuk Lake are situated.

Transportation patterns on the map emphasize the reliance on the river system and small airstrips for connecting isolated hubs like Akiak and Napakiak. While the western portion is dominated by the sprawling wetlands of the Eek River and numerous lakes, the central and eastern portions are defined by prominent geological landmarks such as Shining Dome, Spein Mountain, and the Greenstone Ridge. This map provides an essential view of the traditional Yup'ik communities and the surrounding backcountry as it appeared in the late twentieth century.