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1958 Map of Cow Mountain

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Cow Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The Mayacmas Mountains and the formidable Cow Mountain Ridge dominate this mid-century landscape along the boundary of Mendocino and Lake Counties. This terrain is characterized by steep slopes and narrow canyons carved by Cold Creek and Scotts Creek, where travel was historically limited to a network of Jeep Trails and Firebreaks. Isolated mountain life is evidenced by family outposts such as Lamb Ranch, Hemlock Ranch, and Cow Mountain Ranch, which were tucked into the high country long before modern infrastructure reached these ridges.

To the southeast, the geography shifts toward the water at Blue Lakes, featuring the distinct constriction known as The Narrows and the clear waters of Lower Blue Lake. Unique local landmarks like the Forty-Acre Opening and high points at Shell Peak and Cow Mountain provide clear orientation for those tracing the historic land use of this interior coastal range. The survey also captures several water sources essential to these elevations, including Black Oak Springs and Sulphur Creek.