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1958 Map of Patricks Basin

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Patricks Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Lewis and Clark National Forest encompasses this high-elevation wilderness where the North Fork Sun River meets the waters of the Gibson Reservoir. The landscape is dominated by the massive limestone formations of the Black Reef and Windfall Reef, creating a corridor for early trails. Sparse human infrastructure is limited to remote outposts like the Klick Lower Ranch near the Teton County line and the isolated Sheep Sheds deep within the interior.

Strategic water features such as Scattering Springs and Renshaw Lake suggest the critical importance of reliable water sources for pack teams and livestock moving through Patricks Basin. The network of Pack Trails winding through Elbow Gorge and over Allan Mountain illustrates the historical reliance on animal-powered transport to navigate the steep drainage systems of Lange Creek and Beaver Creek before modern road development reached this part of Montana.