1950 Map of Elwha

About this map

The Elwha River valley and its hydroelectric developments are the focal point of this 1950s era study, showing the landscape before the historic dam removals of the 21st century. The map details the impoundments at Lake Aldwell and Lake Mills, supported by the Upper Elwha Dam and the Olympic Power Plant. In the north, the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad cuts through the terrain near Piedmont, while the Olympic Highway provides access to the Olympic National Forest. Local life is visible in the presence of the Dry Creek Sch and the community at Elwha. Deeper into the mountains, recreational and administrative sites like Waumilla Lodge, Altaire Camp Grounds, and the Elwha Ranger Sta mark the transition into the Olympic National Park. This geography reflects a period where power generation and early park tourism defined the Olympic Peninsula's interior.