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1966 Map of Smeads Bench

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Smeads Bench
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Kaniksu National Forest defines this corner of Sanders County, where the valley of the Bull River meets the wide waters of the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. The landscape is dominated by steep mountain terrain, including the heights of Government Mountain and the distinct formation of Pillick Ridge. In the valley floor, the Burlington Northern railroad follows the shoreline of the Clark Fork, passing through infrastructure like Noxon Siding and a local station.

Historically, the area served as a focal point for forest management and outdoor recreation, centered around the Bull River Guard Station and the Bull River Campground. The survey captures the transition from the river's natural course to the reservoir's pool elevation of 2175 feet. Topographic landmarks like Chimney Rock and the namesake Smeads Bench provided essential navigation points for early travelers navigating the gulches and pack trails that crisscross the drainage basins of Basin Creek and Soldier Creek.