1965 Map of McMullen Basin

About this map

Sawtooth National Forest dominates this high-elevation landscape south of Twin Falls, defined by the sharp rise of Sawtooth Ridge and the complex drainage of McMullen Basin. The map reveals a high-country economy focused on water management and seasonal grazing, evidenced by the density of named water sources like McMullen Cow Camp Spring and Arkansas Spring. Man-made water infrastructure, including Upper Burnt Creek Reservoir, Williams Reservoir, and Curtis Reservoir, points to the careful coordination of resources in this arid Idaho terrain. Steep canyons like Squaw Joe Canyon and broad basins like Horse Basin create a varied topography, while the presence of Gravel Pits in the northern section indicates localized industrial activity amidst the wilderness. This survey, updated with late 20th-century aerial data, captures the essential hydrology and land use patterns of the region.