1953 Map of Cougar

About this map

Gifford Pinchot National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, a terrain of steep volcanic slopes and drainage networks before modern development reshaped the region. The small settlement of Cougar sits near the Lewis River, serving as a gateway to the surrounding peaks like Goat Mtn and Cinnamon Pk. A Sawmill at the edge of town and the presence of the Kalama Ranger Sta and North Fork Ranger Sta point to an economy and management structure deeply rooted in timber and conservation. Significant water bodies including Merrill Lake and the northern reaches of Yale Lake are documented alongside specialized sites like Herrington Place (Site) and Goat Marsh. The map also captures an era of backcountry access through a network of Jeep Trails and the Coldspring Trail, cutting through the watersheds of the South Fork Toutle River and Kalama River.