1968 Map of Flat Top Hill

About this map

Irish Lake and McLaughlin Lake occupy a high drainage basin in this section of Natrona County, characterizing a landscape defined by seasonal water and open range. The topography is dominated by the prominent Flat Top Hill and the southern sweep of the Cottonwood Rim, which provides a natural boundary to the drainage systems of Indian Creek and Three Buttes Creek. A network of springs and reservoirs, such as Box Spring and the Big Pike Res, indicates the critical importance of water management for livestock in this arid environment. Traces of human activity are sparse but specific, including a Corral and a Drill Hole, reflecting the intersection of traditional ranching and the region's exploratory mineral interests. The intricate system of draws, such as Pike Draw, and creeks like Hackett Creek further illustrates the complex erosion patterns of the Wyoming high plains.