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1950 Map of Elwha

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Elwha
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

The Elwha River carves a deep path through the northern Olympic Peninsula, where mid-century infrastructure meets the edges of Olympic National Park. This 1950 survey, photorevised in 1978, illustrates a landscape defined by the river’s harness, featuring both Lake Aldwell and the Upper Elwha Dam at Lake Mills. The presence of the Olympic Power Plant and the Elwha Ranger Sta highlights the dual roles of resource management and conservation in this era.

Settlement patterns are concentrated along the northern transport corridors, including the Olympic Highway and an Old Railroad Grade near Piedmont. Local life is anchored by landmarks such as the Dry Creek Sch and recreation sites like Altaire Camp Grounds and Waumilla Lodge. The terrain transitions from the developed Eden Valley to the high peaks of the Elwha River Range, including Unicorn Peak and Griff Peak.