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1968 Map of Franklin Lake SW

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Franklin Lake SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

The Ruby Mountains dominate the western edge of this 1960s survey, their steep slopes dropping sharply into the marshy basins of the eastern flats. This transition from high-altitude terrain to a desert lake system is marked by the presence of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Humboldt National Forest. Early industrial activity is evident along the mountain front, where the Star Mine, Lime Mine, and a Kiln indicate the extraction of local minerals and stone.

Hydrology is the defining feature of the eastern landscape, characterized by the sprawling waters of Franklin Lake and Ruby Lake, separated by the Valley (Depression). The map records essential water sources in an arid environment, from named drainages like Hunkins Creek and Gardner Creek to geothermal activity at the Springs (Hot) near the southern margin. A lonely Landing Strip and a network of Jeep Trails provide the primary access to these remote wetlands.