1997 Map of High Plateau Mountain

About this map

The Six Rivers National Forest and Siskiyou National Forest converge in this high-altitude landscape along the border of California and Oregon. Central to the area is High Plateau Mountain, a massive ridge defined by its complex geology and mining history. Several extraction sites are marked throughout these peaks, including the Big Boy Mine near the northern boundary and the Cleopatra Mine overlooking the North Fork Smith River. Farther south, Browns Mine and a designated Mill Site indicate a concentrated pocket of industrial activity near the headwaters of Diamond Creek. The terrain is characterized by deep incisions like Peridotite Canyon and prominent rises such as Gasquet Mountain and Cold Spring Mountain. The North Fork Smith Wild and Scenic River and its tributaries, including Stony Creek and Bear Creek, create a protected drainage system that remains largely primitive, with access provided by routes like the Camp Ridge Trail.