1962 Map of Rattlesnake Mountain

About this map

Hilger Valley and the surrounding drainage systems define this portion of Lewis and Clark County, where the landscape transitions between steep peaks and deep gulches. Small, isolated outposts like Payne Camp and the Old Symes Ranch suggest a history of high-altitude ranching and seasonal habitation. The topography is dominated by Rattlesnake Mountain and Baldy Mountain, with the terrain carved by numerous seasonal drainages including McLeod Gulch and Sawmill Gulch. Evidence of early resource exploration is found in several Prospect sites and a Gravel Pit near the eastern edge. A significant point of modern connectivity appears at the Gates of the Mountains Interchange, linking the high country of the McLeod Basin to the broader regional transportation network via a steep Jeep Trail.