1966 Map of Swan Valley

About this map

The Snake River carves a significant course through this portion of eastern Idaho, defining the settlement patterns of Swan Valley and Irwin. This mid-1960s survey reveals a landscape where river-bottom agriculture and small-town life meet the protected timberlands of the Targhee National Forest to the north and the Caribou National Forest to the south. Local landmarks like the Chapel in the Valley and the Swan Valley Cemetery anchor the community, while the presence of several Storage Bins and a Gravel Pit along the riverbanks points to a local economy tied to both the land and the water. The intricate network of pack and jeep trails, such as those winding near Indian Creek, illustrates how the community historically accessed the surrounding canyons like Rainey Creek and Limekiln Canyon for ranching and resource management.