2017 Map of Castle Reef

About this map

Lewis & Clark National Forest encompasses the high-altitude terrain of this central Montana landscape, where the dramatic elevation of Castle Reef overlooks a network of drainages and canyons. The map documents a rugged transition from the high peaks and basins like Wagner Basin to the lower elevation Alkali Flat in the southeast. This area is defined by its complex hydrology, with the Sun River and the artificial Pishkun Canal providing essential water management for the region. Numerous named gulches, including Hannan Gulch and Green Timber Gulch, carve through the ridges, illustrating the natural drainage patterns of N Fork Deep Cr and S Fork Deep Cr. The presence of the Pishkun Canal and Pishkun Canal Rd alongside natural features highlights the intersection of wilderness management and irrigation infrastructure in the early 21st century.