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1991 Map of Big Basin

Name: 1991 Topographic Map of Big Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1995
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1995

About this map

The San Mateo Co Santa Cruz Co boundary divides this landscape of redwood-shaded canyons and coastal ridges. Big Basin Redwoods State Park dominates the central terrain, centered on the Park Headquarters and surrounded by a network of drainage systems including Waddell Creek and Opal Creek. The map documents a mix of conservation and development, where protected areas like the West Waddell Creek State Wilderness sit adjacent to residential enclaves such as Riverside Grove and Forest Springs along the San Lorenzo River.

Infrastructure in the early 1990s reflects the area's specialized uses, from the institutional presence of Camp Ben Lomond (California Youth Authority) to the recreational Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club. Higher elevations are marked by landmarks like the Eagle Rock Lookout Tower on Pine Mountain and the prominent Butano Ridge to the northwest. Historical routes such as China Grade and Johansen State Road wind through the steep topography, connecting isolated valley settlements.