1963 Map of Elk Lake

About this map

The headwaters of the Deschutes River emerge from Little Lava Lake, anchoring a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and alpine hydrology. This survey, updated from earlier mid-century field work, documents a transition in land use as the high Cascades became a focal point for recreation. Established infrastructure like the Guard Sta at Elk Lake and the Sunset View Picnic Area sit alongside geological landmarks such as Red Crater and the Cinder Pit. The map traces the essential north-south corridor of the Cascade Lakes Highway, providing access to numerous water bodies including Hosmer Lake and Doris Lake. For those interested in the history of the backcountry, the presence of the Oregon Skyline Trail and the Metolius-Windigo Trail illustrates the legacy of the Three Sisters Wilderness and its surrounding national forests.