1948 Map of Elk Creek

About this map

Mendocino National Forest dominates the western landscape of this 1948 survey, where the steep terrain of the California Coast Ranges is defined by a dense network of ridges and canyons. To the east, the topography transitions into the foothills where Stony Creek flows toward the newly formed Stony Gorge Reservoir. The map documents a sparsely populated region of significant ranching and agricultural activity, evidenced by operations like Valley View Orchard and Gillaspy Ranch. Local history is anchored by the Grindstone Rancheria Indian Res and the small settlement of Chrome. In the higher elevations, seasonal or administrative outposts such as Alder Springs, Smiley Camp, and Butler Camp appear along the forest boundaries. The survey also traces the Lake Co Glenn Co border as it traverses through features like Kern Point and Kern Ridge.