1962 Map of Kila

About this map

Smith Lake and its surrounding wetlands dominate the northern reaches of this Montana landscape, where the small settlement of Kila marks a point of access into the forest. The terrain transitions from the open Truman Creek Valley into the dense timber of the Flathead National Forest. This 1962 field-checked survey reveals a backcountry defined by peaks such as Wild Bill Mountain and Eagle Mountain, connected by a network of Pack Trails and Jeep Trails. The presence of the C M Quarter Circle Ranch and several outlying structures like Truman Cabin and Norden Cabin indicates a landscape primarily used for ranching and forest management. These family-named landmarks and remote cabins offer a look at the mid-century habitation patterns in the hills west of Kalispell.