1963 Map of Hilgard

About this map

The Grande Ronde River carves a narrow corridor through the high country of the Whitman National Forest, serving as the primary artery for transportation and settlement in the mid-1960s. The Union Pacific railroad tracks and a Frontage Road parallel the river's winding course, connecting the small communities of Hilgard and Perry. Historical traces of earlier infrastructure are evident in the Old Railroad Grade and numerous pipelines that traverse the rugged canyons. Away from the river valley, the landscape is defined by steep drainages like Whiskey Creek and Little Rock Creek. High-elevation landmarks such as the Airway Beacon on Mahogany Mtn and remote water bodies including Morgan Lake and Hunter Lake illustrate how the terrain was utilized for both navigation and resource management during this era.