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1962 Map of Columbia Falls North

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Columbia Falls North
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The North Fork Flathead River carves the landscape of this 1962 survey, where the river's bend defines the northern reaches of Columbia Falls. This area serves as a transitional gateway between the industrial activity at the Aluminum Plant and the protected wilderness of the Flathead National Forest. The tracks of the Great Northern Railroad provide a vital horizontal link through the southern settlements of Halfmoon and Conkelley, reflecting the region's reliance on rail transport for both freight and workers.

Rising above the river valley, Teakettle Mountain and the Whitefish Range dominate the topography, while the Ninemile Lookout Tower stands as a sentinel over the timberlands. Local landmarks like Spoon Lake and the Cedar Lake dot the forested interior, connected by a network of jeep trails and the North Fork Road. A significant pipeline and several substations underscore the era's energy infrastructure supporting the local manufacturing sector.