1966 Map of Bird Creek

About this map

The Salmon River carves a winding path through this rugged corridor of the Salmon National Forest, revealing a landscape shaped by both natural forces and early resource extraction. Prospectors and miners left their mark across the terrain, evidenced by the Sims Mine and numerous other workings scattered near Diamond Creek and Wallace Creek. The map documents a complex network of access points, including the Moose Creek Road and various specialized paths like the Pack Trail and Jeep Trail, which were essential for navigating the steep gulches such as Maxwell Gulch and Napoleon Gulch. Along the riverbanks, markers like Mile 245 and Badger provide navigational reference points, while the open expanse of Big Flat contrasts with the narrow drainage of Bird Creek. This survey captures the mid-century intersection of remote wilderness management and small-scale mining operations in Lemhi County.