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1979 Map of Caples Lake

Name: 1979 Topographic Map of Caples Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Caples Lake and Silver Lake anchor this high-elevation landscape at the intersection of Alpine, Amador, and El Dorado counties. By the late 1970s, the area had developed into a significant recreation and ski destination, centered around the Kirkwood meadows and the slopes of Thimble Peak. The map documents the intricate water management of the era, including underwater contours provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the reservoirs and several gaging stations.

Evidence of the region's earlier history remains visible through the Old Emigrant Trail Historical Marker and a noted Grave near the northern shore of the lake. The high Sierra terrain is marked by numerous alpine water bodies like Emigrant Lake, Fourth of July Lake, and Showers Lake, all linked by a network of paths including the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Industry is represented by the Lost Cabin Mine, while established sites like Schneider Camp and Kit Carson reflect the long-standing human presence in these mountain passes.