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2017 Map of Elk Springs

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Elk Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the Beaverhead National Forest dominate this high-altitude landscape along the border of Madison and Beaverhead Counties. The southwestern portion of the sheet opens into the Centennial Valley, a crucial wetland complex characterized by Upper Red Rock Lake, Swan Lake, and numerous spring-fed features like Culver Springs and MacDonald Pond. This area represents a vital riparian corridor in the high country, where the headwaters of the W Fork Madison River and Elk Creek begin their descent from the surrounding peaks.

Mountainous terrain defines the northern half of the quadrangle, punctuated by significant crossings such as Snowshoe Pass and Hoodoo Pass. The hydrology of the area is particularly complex, featuring named springs like Elk Springs and unique geological narrowings such as The Narrows at Elk Lake. These landmarks, along with a network of forest roads like N Valley Rd and Elk Lake Rd, provide the primary access through this wilderness and its established conservation boundaries.