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2020 Map of Melton Ranch

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

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

The Salish Mountains define the high ground of this Lake County landscape, where water courses like Whiskey Cr and Pine Cr descend toward larger valley drainage. The Little Bitterroot River meanders through the central terrain, while a small portion of the Flathead River appears at the northeastern corner near Big Bend. This area reflects a remote ranching and timber heritage, anchored by the Melton Ranch and connected by primitive routes such as Whiskey Trl.

Evidence of historical movement across the difficult terrain is preserved in the naming of the southern basins and draws. Landforms like Ferry Basin, Racehorse Gulch, and Wilcox Draw suggest a localized geography shaped by early settlers and livestock drivers. The presence of several numbered routes, including Ferry Crossing Basin 1100 and Ferry Crossing Basin 3030, indicates the systematic management of this backcountry well into the modern era.