Loading map...

2020 Map of Mills Creek East

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

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

The Powder River meanders across the northern reaches of this Custer County landscape, defining the hydrology of a region marked by extensive drainage networks. Fed by numerous seasonal tributaries, the river corridor is flanked by the long stretch of Powder River Rd, which serves as the primary artery through the townships of t3n r54e and t2n r54e. The terrain is deeply incised by creeks with evocative local names such as Dead Horse Cr, Smith Cr, and Mills Cr, suggesting the historical importance of water access for ranching and transport in this part of Montana.

Water management is evidenced by the Jones Reservoir in the western section, a vital point for land use in an area where ephemeral streams like Third Cr and Ash Cr only flow during peak runoff. The map illustrates a vast, open survey grid where infrastructure is sparse, limited primarily to secondary routes like RD 555 and Co RD 421. This 2020 edition documents the persistent rural character of the Big Sky Country, showing how modern ranching continues to follow the ancient paths of the river and its many draws.