Loading map...

2020 Map of Gifford Spring

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Gifford Spring
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

The Oregon Trail cuts across this Snake River Plain landscape, marking the historic southern migration route as it nears the waters of Lake Walcott. The terrain is defined by the stark volcanic features of the Wapi Flow and the southern reaches of the Craters of the Moon National Preserve. Near the rail line, the small settlements of Wapi and DeWoff sit on the edge of these lava fields, representing the sparse homesteading and railroad history of the region.

Conservation and riparian features dominate the southern edge of the map within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Here, the river environment transitions into marshy landmarks like Tule Island and the appropriately named Bonanza Bar. The presence of Gifford Spring and the junction of Lake Channel Rd highlight the vital importance of water access in this arid stretch of Idaho, where pioneer paths and modern wildlife protections overlap.