1985 Map of Green Mountain

About this map

Ruby Mountains high-country terrain dominates this mid-1980s survey, revealing a landscape defined by seasonal water management and remote high-altitude ranching. The eastern half of the map is occupied by the protected lands of the Humboldt National Forest, where steep slopes rise toward Green Mountain. At the base of these peaks, a series of ranching operations including Smith Creek Ranch, Riordan Ranch, and Merkley Ranch utilize complex irrigation systems fed by descending mountain streams. A notable Landing Strip at Smith Creek Ranch underscores the isolation of these outposts. The network of drainage, from the North Fork Smith Creek to the smaller Carville Creek, creates a distinct pattern of human activity concentrated along the narrow valley floors. This provisional edition documents the intricate drainage and trails, like the Smith Creek Trail, that provided access to the high basins and Lost Lake before modern development altered the land.