2024 Map of Cottonwood Butte

About this map

Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness anchors this high-elevation terrain in north-central Idaho, where a complex network of glacial lakes and ridgelines defines the landscape. The convergence of the Payette National Forest and Salmon National Forest creates a vast protected corridor for water systems such as Cottonwood Creek and Stoddard Creek. This modern survey reveals a backcountry defined by steep elevation changes, from the prominent Cottonwood Butte to the secluded waters of Swamp Angel Lake and Black Lake. Navigation across these remote watersheds is facilitated by established routes like the Black Lake Trl and Stoddard Lake Trl. The presence of named water sources like Sub Creek Spring and the sheltered Phantom Meadow indicates the critical role of moisture in these alpine environments, providing essential landmarks for surveyors and modern hikers alike.