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1949 Map of Cathlamet Bay

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Cathlamet Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The complex estuarine landscape of Cathlamet Bay dominates this mid-century survey, revealing a network of tidal channels and sediment-rich islands within the Columbia River. Much of the northern half is protected as the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a maze of landforms like Woody Island, Green Island, and Russian Island. These shifting sands and channels, including the South Channel and Woody Island Channel, define a dynamic maritime environment where the river meets the tide.

On the southern shore, the land rises into the timbered slopes of the Clatsop State Forest. Human settlement is concentrated along the Columbia River Highway and the Burlington Northern railroad corridor. Notable local landmarks include Svensen, where the Svensen Sch and Svensen Junction served the community. Further inland, small drainages like Bear Creek and Bakeline Creek cut through the topography near Fern Hill, illustrating the transition from the river-based economy to upland resource use.