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1962 Map of Pine Hill

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Pine Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The Big Hole River carves a winding path through this corner of Montana, serving as the geographic boundary between Deer Lodge Co and Beaverhead Co. The landscape is defined by its sophisticated irrigation network, with long-established waterworks like the Ampo Toomey Ditch, Seefeld Ditch, and Nichols Ditch distributing water from mountain creeks to the valley floor. These systems supported isolated family operations such as Bacon Ranch and Nichols Ranch during the mid-20th century.

Rising above the riverbed, distinctive geological formations like Chalk Bluff and Pine Hill stand out against the backdrop of the Beaverhead National Forest. This 1962 survey reveals a terrain of deep gulches and tributary streams, including York Gulch and Squaw Creek, where a few remote Jeep Trails provide the only access into the high timber. The proximity of Toomey Lake and various springs highlights the critical importance of reliable water sources in this cattle-ranching and timber environment.