2011 Map of Blue Mountain

About this map

Blue Mountain and its surrounding drainages dominate this 2011 survey, showing a landscape defined by steep gulches and high ridges southwest of Missoula. The Blue Mountain Lookout and Blue Mountain Saddle serve as central landmarks, with several forest roads such as Sleeman Creek Rd and O'Brien Creek Rd providing access through the rugged terrain. Along the southern edge near West Fork Lolo Creek, the Chickaman Mine points to the area's history of mineral exploration. The drainage patterns are intricate, featuring the Bitterroot River in the northeast and numerous creek systems including O'Brien Creek, Hayes Creek, and the various forks of Sleeman Creek. These watercourses and their associated gulches, such as Lyon Gulch and Hagerty Gulch, illustrate the complex topography of the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountain foothills.