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1963 Map of Kilbrennan Lake

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Kilbrennan Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Yaak River carves a significant valley through the northwestern corner of Montana, anchoring a landscape dominated by the Kootenai National Forest. In the early 1960s, the Great Northern railroad followed the river's winding course, serving as the primary transportation artery for the sparse settlements of Yaak and Pine. The presence of several Gravel Pits and a Tunnel suggests the industrial infrastructure required to maintain this passage through the Cabinet Mountains region.

Water defines the local geography, from the eponymous Kilbrennan Lake to numerous named drainages like O'Brien Creek and Ruby Creek. High-ground vantage points are evidenced by the Lookout Tower situated on a ridge, while the Yaak Campground marks the intersection of the river and the roadway, reflecting the area's dual identity as a working timber and rail corridor and a recreational destination.