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1968 Map of Foster Coulee

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Foster Coulee
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1993
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1993

About this map

Foster Coulee dominates this Douglas County landscape, a deep geological incision that carves through the basalt plateau. Based on data from the late 1960s, the map reveals a sparsely populated region defined by its hydrography and resource extraction. Significant water bodies such as Elbow Lake, Buck Lake, and Clear Lake dot the upper elevations, providing essential focal points in an otherwise arid terrain. The lower elevations follow the meandering path of Foster Creek as it winds through the coulee floor.

Industrial activity is evidenced by several excavations, including a Gravel Pit and multiple Borrow Pits, which suggest local infrastructure development or road maintenance. Notable landmarks like Tower Rock provide clear navigational markers for the surrounding hills. This survey is particularly useful for understanding the historic water table and land use patterns before later developments, as it meticulously notes several Springs and isolated Wells vital for ranching and survival in this part of Washington.