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1997 Map of Elk Springs

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Elk Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

The Centennial Valley anchors this high-elevation landscape, where the waters of the West Fork Madison River and the expansive wetlands of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge meet. This 1997 Forest Service revision captures a sensitive ecological transition zone between the Beaverhead National Forest and protected wilderness areas. The map details a complex hydrologic network, from the alpine Hoodoo Pass and Snowshoe Pass down to the shores of Elk Lake and Swan Lake.

Evidence of local land use is visible in the presence of an Open Pit Mine and the Elk Lake Resort, reflecting a mix of extraction and recreation. The geography is defined by prominent ridges like Landon Ridge and numerous water sources including Two Drink Springs and Culver Springs. For those studying the management of the American West, the map clearly delineates the Wilderness and Wildlife Refuge Boundary, showing how conservation efforts were mapped at the end of the 20th century.