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1938 Map of Riggins

Name: 1938 Topographic Map of Riggins
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

The Salmon River cuts deeply through this high-altitude landscape where the Nez Perce National Forest and Payette National Forest meet. Surveyed in 1938, the map documents a remote river-and-canyon economy centered on Riggins, positioned at the confluence with the Little Salmon River. Early infrastructure for forest management is prominent, with numerous outposts including Allison Guard Sta, Pollock Guard Sta, and Indian Springs Guard Sta connected by trails rather than roads.

Evidence of early 20th-century settlement is scattered along the narrow river benches at places like Old Pollock, Shorts Bar, and Goff. The presence of the Middle District Sch and Circle C Ranch suggests a landscape of isolated ranching and rural schooling. Local industry and recreation are noted through the Yakima Mine in the northeast and Riggins Hot Springs along the canyon floor, while the Manning Bridge provides a critical crossing over the Salmon.