1971 Map of Mowich Lake

About this map

Mount Rainier National Park dominates this 1971 survey, showcasing the dramatic intersection of alpine glaciers and dense northwestern forests. Large ice masses including the Carbon Glacier, Russell Glacier, and North Mowich Glacier radiate from the high peaks, feeding a network of steep drainages like the Carbon River and Mowich River. The map highlights the recreational infrastructure of the era, centered around Mowich Lake and the Ipsut Creek Campground, which served as hubs for backcountry exploration. High-altitude meadows such as Mist Park, Spray Park, and the Elysian Fields are documented alongside the established routes of the Wonderland Trail and Ipsut Pass Trail. This topographic record captures the wilderness before later climate shifts altered the visible extent of the Flett Glacier and other permanent ice fields, providing a baseline for studying the shifting glacial face of the mountain.