1988 Map of Melton Ranch

About this map

Melton Ranch and other family-held lands define this stretch of the Flathead River valley on the Flathead Indian Reservation during the late 1980s. The landscape is characterized by a series of high-plateau cattle operations and complex drainage systems, including Whiskey Creek and the meandering Little Bitterroot River. The terrain transitions from the river bottom up into the broken country of Ferry Basin and Racehorse Gulch. Unlike more developed regions, the human footprint here is primarily ranching-focused, with landmarks like Jennings Ranch and Haynes Ranch serving as the primary points of reference. An extensive network of BIA-maintained roads, such as FB-2010 and FB-1000, provides access through the draws and across the ridgelines separating Sanders and Lake counties.