1978 Map of Medical Lake

About this map

Medical Lake and the surrounding plateau of Spokane County are captured in this late-1970s orthophotomap, revealing the distinct relationship between the town and the basalt-rimmed depressions that form the region's lakes. The satellite-style imagery emphasizes the unique geology of the Channeled Scablands, where the elongated shapes of Silver Lake and Clear Lake reflect the erosive power of ancient floodwaters. This specific format highlights the transition from concentrated urban development to the surrounding agricultural fields and the high ground of Olson Hill and Booth Hill. Researchers can observe the mid-century infrastructure and land-use patterns, including the airfield to the north and the complex network of roads that connect these isolated water bodies to the growing town center.