1962 Map of Meade River D-2

About this map

Naval Petroleum Reserve No 4 dominates this stretch of the Arctic coastal plain, showing a landscape defined by an intricate network of lakes, marshes, and wandering river channels. The terrain is bisected by the Inaru River and the Kuahrook River, which meander through the tundra. This mid-century survey reflects the era of cold-war resource exploration in the far north, where human presence was sparse and utilitarian. A single Tractor Trail provides a tenuous connection across the wet ground, while a lone Cabin and another Cabin (abandoned) near the eastern edge represent the only structural landmarks. Small tributaries like Niklikpuk Creek feed into the larger river systems, illustrating the complex hydrology of the North Slope before modern development altered the region's accessibility.