1989 Map of Challis

About this map

The Salmon River Mountains and the winding course of the Salmon River dominate this late-century landscape, illustrating a region defined by its massive protected wilderness areas. Central Idaho in the 1980s was characterized by a long-standing mining economy alongside an expanding recreation sector. The map documents significant mining operations like the Yellow Pine Mine and the Sunnyside Mine near Stibnite, contrasting with the established boundaries of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Smaller settlements such as Sunbeam, Clayton, and Stanley serve as gateways to the high-elevation terrain of the Sawtooth Range. The presence of several historic mines, including the Lucky Boy Mine and Silver Bell Mine, provides a detailed record of the extractive history that initially drew settlers to the remote canyons of the Challis National Forest.