Loading map...

1963 Map of Swede Mountain

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Swede Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Kootenai National Forest dominates this Lincoln County landscape, centered on the high elevations of Swede Mountain and Mc Millan Mountain. In the northern portion of the quadrangle, the Kootenai River carves a deep valley, paralleled by the vital transport corridor of the Great Northern railroad. The small settlement of Ripley sits along this riverbank, serving as a rare point of habitation in a terrain defined by steep drainage systems like Severn Gulch and Johnson Draw.

Evidence of forest management and resource extraction is visible throughout the area, from the Lookout Tower positioned at the summit of Swede Mountain to several Gravel Pits located near the southern boundary. To the southeast, the terrain transitions toward Smoky Butte and the isolated waters of Lost Lake. This mid-century survey captures the region's character as a working forest where rail logistics and mountain lookouts were essential to the local economy and fire safety.