2013 Map of Kelso Mountain

About this map

Superior National Forest encompasses this glacial landscape in the eastern Arrowhead region of Minnesota. The terrain is defined by a dense network of interconnected waterways and basins, most notably Kelso Mountain and the winding Frost River. This 2013 survey illustrates a wilderness nearly devoid of modern infrastructure, where the hydrology dictates the geography. Dozens of small, uniquely named water bodies like Lawless Lake, Afton Lake, and Bologna Lake are scattered across the quadrangle, reflecting the intricate lake-and-portage systems typical of this northern forest. The map serves as a contemporary record of these primitive landscapes, detailing the fine contours around Mesaba Lake and the various drainages that feed into the larger regional watershed. Researchers can trace the specific boundaries of protected lands and the orientation of natural features such as Intersection Lake and Pencil Lake.