2017 Map of Ikey Creek

About this map

Elgin Cem stands as a lonely historical marker in this drainage-carved corner of Carter County, where high plateaus are bisected by an intricate network of seasonal waterways. The landscape is defined by the erosion patterns of the McCarty Cr and Ikey Cr systems, which flow through deep draws like Ewalt Draw. Human imprint is sparse, focused primarily on high-ground navigation along Ridge Rd and the Ridgway Ridge Spur Rd, suggesting a region dominated by ranching and open-range land management. The complex branching of Cabin Creek and Dead Boy Cr in the northern sections illustrates the extreme topography that has likely limited dense settlement. This detailed survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures the isolation and water-dependent nature of life in the Montana badlands during the early 21st century.