1966 Map of Loon Lake

About this map

Kootenai National Forest dominates this mid-1960s landscape, where a dense network of mountain lakes and creeks converges in the Fisher River valley. The map centers on a chain of glacial waters including Loon Lake, Leon Lake, and the uniquely shaped Horseshoe Lake. Settlement is sparse, focused around Happys Inn and the southern reaches of McGinnis Meadows, reflecting a remote mountain economy centered on timber and seasonal recreation. Numerous Picnic Areas dot the shoreline of Crystal Lake and Little Loon Lake, while the topography shows the transition from the low-lying Pleasant Valley to the steep ridges of the surrounding national forest land. In the southern portion of the quadrangle, the terrain descends into the wide flats of Elk Park, where Elk Creek begins its drainage through the heavily forested interior.