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1956 Map of Horseshoe Basin

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Horseshoe Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Okanogan Mountains and the international boundary with Canada define this high-elevation landscape as it appeared in the mid-1950s. The area is characterized by a dense network of pack trails and seasonal camps, reflecting a wilderness economy of grazing and forestry. Horseshoe Basin serves as a central geographic feature, surrounded by prominent peaks such as Arnold Peak and Snowshoe Mtn. The proliferation of named camps, including Louden Camp, Coyote Camp, and Lone Wolf Camp, suggests the importance of this region for backcountry access and livestock management within the Okanogan National Forest.

Lower elevations are marked by complex drainage systems like Toats Coulee Creek and its various forks. Distinctive local landmarks such as the Duncan James Cabin and the evocatively named Skull and Crossbones Road provide specific points of interest for historical researchers. The presence of numerous high-altitude meadows, such as Thirtymile Meadows and Salmon Mdws, highlights the natural landscape prior to modern development, while fire lookouts like Corral Butte signal the era's forest protection infrastructure.