1961 Map of Comb Rock

About this map

The Dearborn River winds through this Montana landscape, where cattle ranching and early community infrastructure define the mountain valleys. Established ranch sites such as the Ostle Ranch and Burggraff Ranch occupy the lowlands near the water, while the Dearborn Cem and South Fork Sch reflect the social foundations of the local residents. The terrain transitions from the river valley to prominent geological formations, including the massive uplift of The Reef and the distinct peak of Limekiln Mountain. The network of seasonal drainages, including Auchard Creek and Jeffries Creek, illustrates the complex hydrology that supported these high-country operations. Tracing the Stearns-Wolf Creek Road, one can see how early transportation routes followed the natural contours of Nicholas Basin to connect isolated homesteads like the Murphy Ranch.