2017 Map of Patterson Canyon

About this map

The Lewis & Clark National Forest anchors the northwestern portion of this 2017 study, where the high ridges of the Big Snowy Mountains and Little Snowy Mountains converge. This transition from the forested heights of the Snowy ranges down into the coulee and canyon country of Golden Valley County reveals a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes. Arid drainages such as Horsethief Canyon and Ashley Coulee carve through the foothills, while McLean Lake and the S Fork Flatwillow Cr provide essential water sources in an otherwise high-prairie environment. The road network, including Red Hill Rd and Metzger Rd, follows the natural contours of the land, tracing the path of least resistance through the breaks and along the base of Red Hill.