1987 Map of Haystack Peak

About this map

Independence (Site) serves as a primary historical waypoint in this high-elevation mountain terrain within the Gallatin National Forest. Evidence of late-19th-century mining activity persists at the Independence Mine and near Independence Peak, where the landscape is defined by steep ridges and glacial lakes. The area is divided by the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness boundary, marking a transition into protected backcountry. The drainage of the East Fork Boulder River and high-altitude water bodies like Lake Kathleen, Blue Lake, and Lake Columbine suggest a landscape shaped by persistent snowpack and remote conditions. Numerous pack trails crisscross the ridges, connecting the Boulder Pass to the headwaters of Slough Creek and Buffalo Creek, illustrating the primitive transportation network required to navigate the Park and Sweet Grass county line.