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1998 Map of French Basin

Name: 1998 Topographic Map of French Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

French Basin defines the central valley of this landscape, where the Bitterroot National Forest encompasses a network of drainages and high peaks. The 1998 revision by the Forest Service highlights a terrain shaped by water and elevation, from the prominent Shirley Mountain in the south to the northern reaches of Rye Creek. Several smaller bodies of water, including Schoolmarm Lake and Clough Springs, dot the interior, while Mines in the northeast corner indicate localized historical resource extraction.

The map reveals the intricate topographic detail of the Darby Sula region, including the confluence of Doran Creek and Hart Creek. The drainage patterns of Bunch Gulch and Sawdust Gulch illustrate the complex hydrology feeding into the larger basin. This survey serves as a record of the wilderness boundary during the late 1990s, noting landmarks like Big Corral and the transition between different ranger districts.