1980 Map of Twain

About this map

Mining operations and the Western Pacific railroad dominate this section of the Plumas National Forest in the early 1980s. The landscape is defined by the steep canyons of the North Fork Feather River and the East Branch North Fork Feather River, where industry has left a permanent mark. Settlement is concentrated along these watercourses, notably at Twain and Grays Flat, which serve as vital nodes for transport and resource extraction. Evidence of the region’s gold-seeking history is widespread, from the Dutch Hill Mine and Virgilia Mine to the vast tailings piles and tunnels like Logan Tunnel. The placement of Twain Siding and Paxton Siding along the riverbanks illustrates how the railroad leveraged the narrow canyons to connect these remote mountain outposts to the broader industrial network of Northern California.