2014 Map of French Basin

About this map

French Basin serves as the focal point of this high-country landscape within the Bitterroot National Forest during the early twenty-first century. The area is defined by its complex drainage network, where Rye Creek and Cameron Creek carve through the terrain, fed by numerous seasonal flows such as Hart Creek and Doran Creek. These watercourses dictate the placement of local infrastructure, including French Basin Road and Skalkaho Rye Road, which follow the natural contours of the mountain valleys. Higher elevations are marked by landmarks like Shirley Mountain and the high pass at Guide Saddle. The presence of Schoolmarm Lake and Clough Springs highlights the diverse water sources tucked into the gulches and draws of Ravalli County. The naming conventions throughout the quadrangle, from Sawdust Gulch to Pasture Draw, suggest a history of local land use tied to timber and grazing.