2020 Map of Coal Creek

About this map

The border of McCone and Garfield Counties runs through this sparsely populated stretch of Big Sky country, dominated by an intricate drainage system of coulees and seasonal creeks. The landscape is defined by the erosion-carved terrain surrounding Coal Creek and the Prong Coal Creek, where named features like Hook Rock and White Buttes serve as prominent landmarks in the high plains. The map reveals the ranching-ready geography of the early 21st century, showing how modern transportation routes like State Highway 462 and Vall Road navigate the complex network of draws including Norwegian Coulee, Calamity Coulee, and Bridge Coulee. While few permanent settlements are noted, the density of named waterways—from Big Wild Horse Creek to Spring Creek—highlights the vital role of water management and geography in this arid landscape.