Loading map...

1936 Map of Crystal Lake

Name: 1936 Topographic Map of Crystal Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1936
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1936

About this map

The high peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains dominate this mid-1930s survey, revealing a landscape defined by seasonal recreation and forestry infrastructure before the mid-century expansion of Southern California. Centered on Crystal Lake, the map documents a cluster of developed sites including Wawona Lodge, the YMCA Hut, and a store, reflecting the area's role as a mountain retreat for Los Angeles residents. The presence of the Crystal Lake Guard Station and several designated flats, such as West Pine Flats and East Pine Flats, indicates the active management of the San Gabriel National Forest during this period.

Water sources are meticulously noted, with numerous springs like Little Jimmie Spring, Windy Spring, and Alexander Spring providing critical points of interest in the high-elevation terrain. Notable summits including Mt. Islip, Mt. Williamson, and Mt. Hawkins frame the deep drainage of Bear Creek and Coldwater Creek. The lack of reconciled land plats in certain townships, as noted in the margin, underscores the era's ongoing challenges in mapping this complex topography.