1960 Map of Potter Valley

About this map

Potter Valley is situated at a unique hydrological junction in the California Coast Ranges, where the Eel River and the East Fork Russian River converge near human-engineered infrastructure like the Powerhouse and its associated canals. The agricultural heart of the valley is clearly defined by a network of family-held properties such as Ingle Ranch, Fritsche Ranch, and Guntley Ranch, reflecting the area's rural development. Social and civic life in the mid-20th century is anchored by the High Sch, the Potter Valley Cem, and the Potter Valley Rancheria. Beyond the valley floor, the terrain rises sharply into the Mendocino National Forest and Middle Mountain, where fire protection is marked by the Garrett Mtn Lookout and Pine Mtn Lookout. The presence of the Pomo (Site) identifies the ancestral geography of the region, while an Airstrip and Quarry indicate the area's modern utility and extraction history.