1963 Map of Big Meadows

About this map

The Umatilla National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape on the border of Walla Walla and Umatilla counties. This 1963 field-checked survey reveals a wilderness defined by its deep drainages and high ridge lines, such as Tiger Ridge and Blalock Mountain. The drainage patterns of the North Fork Walla Walla River and Mill Creek illustrate the challenging terrain of the Blue Mountains, where access was limited to the Government Road and various pack routes like the Government Trail. Significant landmarks such as Big Meadows and the prominent bend known as The Horseshoe provide clear orientation points for researchers tracking old forest service routes or early conservation boundaries. This mapping captures the region before more modern infrastructure penetrated these higher elevations, preserving the original configuration of springs like Russell Spring and remote canyons including Little Meadows Canyon.