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1952 Map of Ketchikan D-5

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Ketchikan D-5
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Bell Island Hot Springs serves as a rare focal point of human infrastructure in this remote coastal landscape of the Tongass National Forest. The presence of a Seaplane Ramp and a waterfront Cabin at this site highlights the critical role of aviation and water transport for accessing the specialized geothermal resources and timber of the Alexander Archipelago. This 1952 field-annotated survey reveals a complex network of glacial waterways, including the deep Behm Canal and the sheltered channels of Hassler Pass and Gedney Pass.

The terrain is defined by massive landmasses such as Revillagigedo Island and Hassler Island, where high-elevation lakes like Lake Shelokum and Orchard Lake feed numerous named drainages like Orchard Creek and Klu Creek. The detailed mapping of points such as Fin Pt and Dress Pt underscores the maritime focus of the era, providing essential data for those navigating the intricate inlets and bays of the Alaskan panhandle.