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2020 Map of McLeod Basin

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of McLeod Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

McLeod Basin sits at the confluence of mountain waters and ranching history in the high country of South Central Montana. The Boulder River and its western and eastern branches dominate the landscape, carving through the terrain where the Gallatin National Forest meets the valley floor. Irrigation infrastructure, vital for local agriculture, is well-documented through features like the McLeod Ditch, Mason Ditch, and Craft Ditch. These waterways reflect the historical management of the region's resources for settlement and livestock.

The small community of Contact marks a point of historical interest near the confluence of Contact Cr and the main river. High points such as Baker Mtn and Tepee Mtn provide significant vertical relief, while the Coal Mine Rim suggests a history of mineral exploration in the northern reaches of the quadrangle. The map also delineates the Park Co Sweet Grass Co boundary, a detail of particular interest for those tracing property lines or regional administrative history across this transition between high peaks and river basins.