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1981 Map of Gold Lake

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Gold Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

High Sierra mining history and mid-century recreation converge in this 1980s-era study of the Lakes Basin. The terrain is marked by an extensive legacy of resource extraction, with deep-seated quartz and gold interests represented by the Jamison Mine (Site) and the Empire Mine. These industrial sites, alongside the Four Hills Mine and Sisson Mine, speak to a century of hard-rock prospecting that defined the local economy before the region transitioned toward seasonal tourism.

Lakes and lodges dominate the landscape by the 1980s, centering on the expanse of Gold Lake and the Gold Lake Resort. The map traces the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as it winds through Plumas National Forest and Tahoe National Forest, passing numerous high-altitude water bodies such as Long Lake and Wades Lake. Settlement patterns are largely recreational, evidenced by Gray Eagle Lodge and various campgrounds like Diablo Campground, while traditional landmarks like Butcher Ranch and the Campfire Girls Camp anchor the social history of the area.