1951 Map of Blue Nose Mtn

About this map

The Middle Fork Feather River carves a deep path through the northern reaches of the Plumas National Forest, where the Western Pacific railroad tracks follow the river's winding course. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape defined by its mining history, centered around the Nelson Point (Site) and various placer and hard-rock operations. Extensive hydraulic and gold mining evidence is scattered across the ridges, from the Turkeytown Diggings and Pioneer Diggings to established sites like the Carmack Mine and Bunker Hill Mine. The complex drainage system of Nelson Creek and its many branches, such as Hopkins Creek and Poorman Creek, highlights the importance of water management in this extraction-heavy era. From the high elevation of Blue Nose Mtn to the flats of English Bar, the map documents a transition from active industry to protected lands within the Feather River Experimental Forest (PNF).