1980 Map of Circular Butte

About this map

The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory dominates the western half of this 1980 survey, illustrating the significant federal footprint in the Snake River Plain. This vast research area includes specialized sites like the US Naval Reactors Facility, the Central Facilities Area, and the Auxiliary Reactor Area. To the east, the landscape transitions toward the volcanic geology of the region, featuring prominent landmarks such as Circular Butte, Kettle Butte, and a large expanse of Lava flows. The agricultural and hydraulic development of the valley is evident through the network of the Market Lake Canal and the presence of the Snake River near the emerging urban center of Idaho Falls. Significant conservation areas, including the Camas National Wildlife Refuge and North Lake within a State Wildlife Management Area, provide a stark contrast to the nearby high-tech engineering facilities and the rugged Lemhi Range on the northwestern horizon.