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2015 Map of Tamarack

Name: 2015 Topographic Map of Tamarack
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2015
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2015

About this map

Bear Valley sits at the heart of this high-elevation landscape, where the Sierra Nevada terrain is defined by glacial basins and alpine meadows within the Stanislaus National Forest. The map documents a cluster of small settlements and recreational outposts, including Sherman Acres, Tamarack, and Lombardi, all situated along the primary transportation corridor of Alpine Way. The presence of the Bear Valley Airport near Bloods Meadow underscores the region's importance as a seasonal mountain destination and access point for the surrounding wilderness.

Water management and natural drainage systems are prominent, with the N Fork Stanislaus River winding through the southern half of the quadrangle. Significant water bodies like Lake Alpine, Utica Reservoir, and Spicer Meadow Reservoir highlight the area's role in the regional watershed. Local topography is marked by named landmarks such as Bloods Ridge, Slick Rock, and the curiously named Hells Sand Flat Kitchen, providing specific reference points for hikers and historians interested in the historical land use of these mountain passes.