1959 Map of Tarkio

About this map

Ninemile Creek carves a deep valley through the northern reaches of this mountain landscape, providing a primary corridor for early settlement and transport. In the late 1950s, the lower elevations near the Milwaukee Road and the Pacific and Northern rail lines show concentrated activity around Tarkio and Rivulet. The map reveals an economy tied to both the land and the rails, with various mines and tailings piles scattered throughout the drainage basins. High ridgelines like the Ninemile Divide and peaks such as Horsehead Peak and Stark Mtn dominate the Lolo National Forest terrain. A network of Pack Trails and Jeep Trails provides access to remote interior points, connecting the valley settlements to higher ground where lookout points and small mining operations once operated far above the main river forks.