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1990 Map of Murken Bench

Name: 1990 Topographic Map of Murken Bench
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

The Lassen National Forest terrain dominates this 1990 provisional study, defined by the stark transition from the Hat Creek Valley to the elevated Murken Bench. The geological character of the region is evident in features like Cinder Butte and the Cinder Pit, marking a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. This area serves as a significant site for scientific observation, home to the University of California Observatory and a dedicated Radio Facility located near Bidwell Ranch.

High above the valley floor, the Hat Creek Rim provides a dramatic escarpment where the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (Pack) winds through the timber. Water management in this high-altitude environment is recorded through a network of small catchments and springs, including Moon Springs Reservoir, Alcohol Jacks Reservoir, and Porcupine Reservoir. These features, alongside isolated sites like Government Well, reflect the sparse but vital infrastructure supporting grazing and forestry in the Shasta County backcountry.