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1950 Map of Elwha

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Elwha
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Lake Aldwell and Lake Mills dominate this riverine landscape, representing a significant era of hydroelectric development on the Olympic Peninsula. The Elwha River is the central artery here, constrained by the Elwha Dam and Upper Elwha Dam, which powered the Olympic Power Plant. These structures, documented here mid-century, fundamentally altered the local ecosystem before their later removal.

The map records a mix of industrial utility and backcountry recreation within the Olympic National Forest. Small settlements and seasonal hubs like Piedmont, Waumilla Lodge, and the Altaire Camp Grounds dot the terrain, while the Old Railroad Grade and Olympic Highway trace earlier transportation corridors. From the heights of McDonald Mountain to the depths of Eden Valley, the survey captures the infrastructure of the Elwha Ranger Sta and the rural education provided at Dry Creek Sch.